Derbyshire Dales District Council, in partnership with High Peak Borough Council and Adullam Homes Housing Association, is setting up an Accreditation Scheme for all Private Landlords who have properties in the area.

Landlord Accreditation Schemes are being set up all over the country and by the year 2010 the Government intends that all Private Landlords will belong to an Accreditation Scheme whether it be one run by a Local Authority or a Landlord Association.

The aims of the Accreditation Scheme are to give recognition to good quality accommodation and management amongst Private Landlords in the area and to encourage others to raise the standard of their accommodation. The overall aim is to ensure good quality affordable rented accommodation.

To become accredited, landlords will need to meet certain standards in both the physical condition of their properties and their management of them.. There will be two ‘Levels’ of Accreditation – a Basic and a Premier. The District Council would like to include as many Landlords as possible in the scheme, which will be voluntary and free.

Landlords who meet the criteria will be able to advertise themselves as an ‘Accredited Landlord with Derbyshire Dales District Council’.

An information and consultation evening for Private Landlords is being held at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell on 16 January from 6pm to 8pm. Landlord will be invited to give their opinions on the proposals.

A buffet supper will be provided and there will be information and advice from the Fire, Police and Energy Efficiency Services and a chance to learn about the new Housing Allowance that will replace Housing Benefit in April this year.

All Landlords in the Derbyshire Dales are invited to attend. Please contact Ruth Ward, Accreditation Officer, Derbyshire Dales District Council on 01629 761391/ 07795351875 email: ruth.ward@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or Matthew Hulley, Environmental Health Officer, on 01629761350 matthewhulley@derbyshiredales.gov.uk