Accreditation schemes are voluntary schemes that good landlords join to demonstrate that they provide good quality accommodation.

When seeking accommodation in the private rented sector, enquire whether a prospective landlord is accredited with a local scheme operator.

Schemes are operated by local Councils, Higher Educational establishments or their agents and landlord associations.

The standard of accommodation, property management, and the way that accredited landlords conduct business with their tenants must comply with the requirements of the accreditation scheme.

Ask the prospective landlord to show you their accreditation scheme membership card or certificate - if in doubt contact the scheme operator.

Ask the accredited landlord or the scheme operator for a copy of the scheme – this will explain the quality standards with which the landlord’s letting service will need to comply.

Enquire with a prospective accredited landlord whether the scheme includes an Accredited Tenant Scheme – these schemes acknowledge good tenants and provide a high status reference that is useful when moving within the rented sector or as a general character reference.

Enquire whether a property you may wish to rent is an accredited property – this means that the property is likely to have been inspected by the scheme operator to check that it is in good condition.

Most accreditation schemes accredit the landlord following a satisfactory compliance check of a proportion of the properties that they own – not all properties will have been inspected.

If you think that your accredited landlord is not complying with the requirements of the scheme, in the first instance, discuss your concerns with your landlord - if you cannot reach agreement, then refer your complaint to the scheme operator for arbitration.

If in the event of a dispute, your landlord does not comply with the ruling of the scheme’s arbitration panel, then the landlord risks losing their accreditation status together with the benefits that go with it.

Accreditation schemes are voluntary and do not replace your legal rights as a tenant – your accredited landlord or your scheme operator will provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities.