Landlord Accrediation Wales Scheme

Information for Landlords and Tenants in the Private Rented Sector

This Council is a partner in the Landlord Accreditation Wales (LAW) Scheme.

The LAW scheme is administered by Cardiff Council on behalf of the partnership, and is a scheme for landlords all across Wales. Landlords who join the scheme and abide by the standards are "accredited" and are recognised as good landlords. There is no compulsion for landlords to join, but there are many advantages.

The aim of the scheme is to make landlords and agents more aware of their rights and responsibilities when letting. It is then more likely their properties will be maintained to a higher standard; their tenants’ safety and health will be safe guarded and their businesses better protected.

The scheme is open to any landlord or agent, as well as those who are considering becoming a landlord. You do not necessarily have to own any property in Wales to join.

This Council recommends that you become a member of the scheme.

What are the requirements of the Landlord Accreditation Wales Scheme?

The LAW scheme accredits the landlord, not the property. A landlord will need to:

• attend a one day development course to obtain the knowledge and skills to help operate their business successfully
• agree to follow a code of conduct
• be a fit and proper person

There are additional joining criteria for Letting Agents.

What are the benefits to landlords of being accredited?

Apart from gaining the knowledge to be a good landlord, and being recognised as such, there are many other advantages including:

• Preferential marketing: for you and your properties on the LAW scheme website
• Better access: to Local Authority Events and Publications. Also be the first to hear about additional awareness and training sessions
• Receive supporting documents: Provision of Reference Material to support the Development Course
• Wider Support Network: Become part of a larger landlord network
• One application covers all of the Welsh Local Authority areas: As the scheme is Wales wide you only have to join once no matter how many Council areas you own houses in
• Improved profile: for you and your business
• Financial benefits: Discounts on services and products from a range of suppliers

What benefits are there for tenants?

Tenants can benefit from knowing that if they choose to rent from an accredited landlord, the property will be in good condition and the tenancy will be managed to a good standard.

What benefits are there for local communities?

It is in everyone's interests if housing is well managed and kept in good condition. The scheme can help to increase the supply of good quality accommodation, to benefit existing tenants and potential tenants who may not have considered renting privately in the past. It also helps to foster better landlord/tenant relationships and reduces the need for intervention by council officers.

How long does the accreditation last?

Five years and the landlord will be re-accredited automatically provided they:

• have not breached the code of conduct
• have taken steps to keep up to date with changes in the law

Attendance at annual Landlord Day events, local landlord’s forum and additional training events etc. will count towards re-accreditation as will membership of a recognised landlord’s organisation.

In order to find out more, or to apply to join the scheme, visit the scheme’s website http://www.welshlandlords.org.uk/

You can alternatively contact the scheme administrator on:

Landlord Accreditation Wales

c/o Private Sector Housing

Cardiff Council

County Hall

Atlantic Wharf

Cardiff

CF10 4UW

Email: info@welshlandlords.org.uk

Phone: 029 2087 3561