Drive to improve Chorley's rented property introduced (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Drive to improve Chorley's rented property introduced

3:56pm Thursday 16th September 2010 in Chorley

PRIVATE landlords wanting to build their reputation and help to improve property standards in Chorley are being urged to take part in a new scheme.

Chorley Council is joining forces with the National Landlords Association to offer a ‘Landlord Accreditation’, which will be the first partnership of its kind in Lancashire.

By taking part it will distinguish landlords as a ‘cut above’ the rest and distance themselves from unscrupulous people renting out their homes.

Councillor Peter Malpas, who is responsible for housing at Chorley Council, said: “We know there are lots of keen and willing landlords in Chorley who provide a great service to residents.

“This accreditation scheme will help them to keep improving property standards and build their reputation as a trustworthy landlord.

“We’ll be officially launching the accreditation scheme at the next Landlord Forum on Wednesday and I’d urge those who are interested to come along and find out more.”

Council officers and a representative from the Landlords Association will be at the forum and will be happy to take answer any questions about accreditation.

It will include a code of practice and set out standards for landlords including dealing with tenants and maintaining properties to provide them with the skills to provide the best possible service to their tenants..

“We’ve already written to lots of private landlords but there are several hundred, including lettings agencies, that we don’t currently have direct contact with,” said Coun Malpas.

“It’d be great to get lots of people taking part so that people renting properties in Chorley can have peace of mind and know that private landlords in Chorley offer a great service.

“Once it’s up and running, being recognised as a first class landlord will give you an edge over other landlords when it comes to people looking for a property to rent.

“If you can’t make it to the forum on Wednesday contact us on 01257 515151 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk and we’ll provide you with more details.”

The Landlord Forum will take place in the Town Hall, Market Street, between 5.30pm-7pm, on Wednesday September 22.