The Accreditation scheme is Bath & North East Somerset Council’s seal of approval for properties that meet current housing standards and which are safe for people to live in.
Prior to accrediting a property we look to see that the property has safe gas and electrical installations, has adequate fire precautions, has adequate amenities for the number of people living there and finally, that it is well managed.
Accreditation is a voluntary scheme for landlords, which seeks to encourage the upgrade of rented properties, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). It ensures that these properties comply with the various requirements of the Housing Act 2004. Discounted insurance premiums, access to a contractor list and small grants are all benefits to this highly successful scheme.
Why did Bath & North East Somerset Council set up the Accreditation Scheme?
The scheme was initiated as a means of assisting landlords in their efforts to provide accommodation that was both satisfactory and compliant with statutory legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and Management Regulations.
Contact Housing Standards and Improvement Team on 01225 396444 for information.
Additionally, landlords are offered access to insurance packages designed for Accredited accommodation and a list of local building contractors.
Properties are usually Accredited by landlord request or Accreditation can follow on from previously completed enforcement action where all works that would have been needed to Accredit the property have been completed.
Property Accreditation has been welcomed by the local universities, who have not only undertaken the Accreditation of their own campus accommodation, but also prioritise Accredited properties on their accommodation lists. Further support comes from the local Landlord Association.
Our current Landlord Manual is listed under 'Related Documents' on the right hand side of this page.