Website: Darlington Borough Council
Contact: Private Sector Housing Team
Tel: 01325388304
Address: Town Hall, Darlington DL1 5QT
Email: housingrenewal@darlington.gov.uk
Private Sector Housing Team:
What Do We Do?
The Private Sector Housing team deal with most aspects of private sector housing with an aim to improving conditions and living standards for both tenants and owner occupiers and making Darlington a more attractive place to live.
Our Role
Nobody wants to live in, or near to, run down and unsightly properties. Working with owner/occupiers, landlords and tenants of private housing we aim to improve the standard of housing conditions throughout the Darlington Borough. This can only be achieved by talking to and listening to landlords and their tenants. By working together we can make a difference.
Who are we:
The Private Sector Housing team, Community Services Department, Town Hall, Darlington DL1 5QT
Telephone: (01325) 388304 Fax: (01325) 388504
Email: housingrenewal@darlington.gov.uk
Web: Private Landlords and Tenants
LANDLORD ACCREDITATION SCHEME (LAS)
Aims and Objectives
In recognition of the important role that can be played by the private rented sector, Darlington Borough Council has developed a Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LAS). The LAS aims to drive up property and management standards within the private rented sector by publicly identifying landlords and their property as being of a recognised higher standard.
Darlington Borough Council's LAS aims to work with landlords to develop communication and mutual relationships, whilst giving landlords a stake in decisions that affect them.
Membership of the LAS
Membership of the LAS is currently free.
Whilst membership of the LAS is voluntary, criteria for joining this Scheme will require that private sector landlords and their properties meet and agree to abide by a ‘Code of Standards’. The purpose of the Code of Standards is to set out the minimum design, safety, contractual, and service delivery standards that tenants can expect when they rent private sector accommodation, and that accredited landlords can promote as part of their letting service. If successful, accreditation will last for three years, unless your accredited status is revoked due to a disciplinary matter throughout this period.
Benefits
The LAS has benefits for landlords, tenants, and the local community.
Become an accredited landlord and benefit from:-
· The status of being publicly identified as a good Landlord providing a high standard of accommodation.
· Distancing yourself from incompetent or unscrupulous landlords.
· A competitive market advantage over other providers when letting properties and attracting new tenants.
· Confidence that your property meets all the legal requirements.
· Access to support, advice and training from housing professionals.
· Referral to other departments for information and assistance.
· A good working relationship with the Council, including up-to-date knowledge of the key issues of property management and landlord-tenant legislation.
· Landlords’ Forum
· Members’ newsletter and updates on legislation and local policy.
· Marketing and promotion of Accredited Landlords and their properties by the Landlords Accreditation Scheme.
· Direct access to the Housing Benefit section, which can help Landlords in the accurate and prompt payment of benefit.
· Access to discounted goods and services, i.e. building insurance, fire safety equipment, etc.
· Access to training seminars on important topical issues.
· Personalised membership certificate.
· Use of the Council’s Accreditation Scheme logo in advertising and on letterheads and other paperwork.
· Information leaflets to pass on to tenants.
· A comprehensive model Tenancy Agreement, which is Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) compliant and includes an anti-social behaviour clause.
· An information pack and Code of Standards booklet providing valuable information.
· A complaints procedure that sets clear guidelines to avoid misunderstandings.
· Information on Energy Efficiency.
· Discount on Mandatory Licensing Fees.
· A Model Inventory, which is Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) compliant.
· A priority customer on key issues of property management and landlord-tenant legislation.
· Financial assistance - up to £20k low cost loans.
Future Benefits
We are also currently investigating the introduction of the following benefits:-
· A Tenant Referencing Service.
· An approved tradesperson/contractor list.
LAS Contact Information:
Tel: 01325 388371
Fax: 01325 388504
Email: las@darlington.gov.uk
Web: www.darlington.gov.uk/las
LANDLORDS' FORUM
The Landlords Forum was launched on the 16th February 2006.
The Forum promotes consultation between the Council and private landlords, and gives you the opportunity to meet with the Council and discuss private sector legislation, such as the Housing Act, and any other issues that will affect you. The Forum is also an effective arena for you to exchange your news, views and experiences. This is a great opportunity to learn from each other.
Membership is free and open to all private landlords who rent property in the Darlington Borough.
Please contact us if you wish to become a member of the Forum or join the mailing list to receive invitations to future events and a copy of the Landlords' newsletter.
Forum Contact Information:
Tel: 01325 388371
Fax: 01325 388504
Email: las@darlington.gov.uk
Web: Landlords Forum