What is accreditation?
Warwick District Council's Student House Accreditation Scheme is an initiative aimed at setting minimum property-based standards and management standards for privately rented shared student accommodation. It gives recognition to landlords who offer good quality accommodation and are committed to effective management.
Landlords
Landlords can apply for accreditation if they meet both physical property based standards and comply with a management code of good letting practice.
The scheme is voluntary and there is no charge to apply. Landlords achieving accreditation should have a market advantage when letting their property as students are encouraged to sign up for accredited properties when seeking accommodation.
The above document 'Landlords Guide' will explain the scheme in more detail and can either be downloaded from above or obtained from the Private Sector Housing team using the contact details below. The Guide is currently under review, and comments are welcome on any alterations to how the scheme operates.
Students
Students are strongly encouraged by Universities to sign up for accredited properties when seeking accommodation. They should read the above document and use the links listed below for help and advice. Students should receive information from the Council within the first few weeks of moving into an accredited property advising them that their property is accredited and what this means.
Frequently asked questions for landlords
Why should I bother to obtain accreditation?
The student market is becoming increasingly competitive, especially with the number of 'buy to let' mortgages now available and new large developments aimed directly at the student market. We are beginning to see that properties at the bottom end of the market are not being let.Landlords who achieve accreditation should begin to enjoy a market advantage over non-accredited landlords. If your property does not require licensing, accreditation is the only independent assessment of its condition and quality. Students who have no knowledge of the area or of housing standards will find this particularly beneficial.
What else does accreditation offer me?
There are many other advantages to having accreditation. These include:-
- being able to market a property as accredited with up to 5 stars.
- being listed on the Council's web site as accredited.
- satisfaction & confidence that your property meets minimum standards.
- enjoying a good working relationship with the Council.
- advice and information on legal requirements and recommendations.
- respect from tenants and reduction in complaints.
- access to Travis Perkins Privilege Scheme
- access to discounts on Endsleigh Insurance products
Is accreditation based on the property or the landlord?
It is the property which is accredited and not the landlord. Therefore, if you have more than one property, it is up to you to decide which ones you wish to seek accreditation for.
How do I apply for accreditation?
You will need to complete an application form and return it with gas and electrical safety certificates. Before submitting an application, you should ensure that the property meets the accreditation scheme standards*. Landlord packs are available from Private Sector Housing and through the main student letting agencies.
* Please note that since these standards were introduced, the law has been updated in some areas. In terms of fire safety, LACORS fire safety standards (1.9MB, PDF) is now a legally enforced standard under Housing Act 2004 Part 1and applies to all shared student houses. For smaller 2 storey properties, provided doors are sound, well constructed and close fitting, often it will only be necessary to install a Grade D LD3 type alarm system (interlinked smoke detection to ground floor hall, first floor landing and lounge, and interlinked heat detector and fire blanket to the kitchen. Properties of non traditional construction, or containing inner rooms or more unusual layout may require additional fire safety measures.
How do I know if my property is up to standard?
You should familiarise yourself with the standards in the 'Landlord Guide' and the LACORS guide described above. If you are still uncertain, you can contact Private Sector Housing for advice. A site visit may be arranged on request and without charge.
How long will it take to receive accreditation?
This depends on whether the property meets the standard and on you obtaining any necessary safety certificates. If this is the case, accreditation certificates can be issued within 14 days. However, due to the demands of HMO Licensing, there may be some delays in arranging inspections and issuing Certifcates. Landlords are asked to be patient, and all properties will be dealt with in due course.
If I set standards above the basic standard, will this be recognised?
Yes. The scheme contains a 5 star rating system, which allows landlords to go beyond the basic standard.
How long will my Accreditation Certificate be valid for?
They are valid for 3 years. Shortly before expiry, you will receive a letter advising you to re-apply.
Is my property a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) ?
Under Housing Act 2004, which came into force on 6th April 2006, any property shared by 3 or more students will be regarded as an HMO. Properties with 3 or more stories and 5 or more occupants will require a licence to operate. Landlords are encouraged to join the Accreditation Scheme regardless of whether their properties require licensing. More information about HIMOs.
Documents downloads
The following documents also relate to the Accreditation Scheme and may prove useful to prospective landlords looking to join the scheme and for students to judge what the scheme offers them.
Contact
For additional help or copies of the above please contact Private Sector Housing:
Private Housing Home Page
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