• What is the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS)?
• How do I become an accredited landlord?
• What will the course teach me?
• Who can become accredited?
• Do I need to own a rented property in London to be accredited?
• Can agents be accredited?
• What does the Code of Conduct require of me?
• Who is a “fit and proper” person?
• Why should I bother?
• What other benefits* are there to being accredited?
• Is there a fee for accreditation?
• What does it cost?
• How long does accreditation last?
• Who operates the LLAS?
• Any other questions?
What is the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS)?
A scheme to recognise good landlords who have the skills to run a successful rental business and so provide their tenants with good quality and safe accommodation.
How do I become an accredited landlord?
You need to attend a one-day development course, agree to follow a code of conduct, and to be a “fit and proper” person.
What will the course teach me?
The course provides and overview of the major rules and regulations, which govern the private rental business including landlord and tenancy issues, health and safety, contracts and property management. These and more are contained in the comprehensive landlords manual that you’ll also receive. Link to course content page
Who can become accredited?
Any individual, partnership or limited company can be accredited including people thinking about becoming a landlord.
Do I need to own a rented property in London to be accredited?
No. The scheme is open to any landlord and also those who are considering becoming a landlord.
Are there any requirements for limited companies or partnerships?
Yes. For partnerships and limited companies, at least two thirds of the work force, actively involved in the business, will need to attend a development course. Those attending will need to agree to the code of conduct and be a fit and proper person. They will be accredited in their own right.
Can agents be accredited?
We are currently looking into how to accredit agents. Agents are encouraged to attend the development courses, as it is expected that these will form the basis for the accreditation of agents in the future.
What does the Code of Conduct require of me?
It requires landlords to comply with the law and to carry out urgent works promptly. If additional work is needed, a landlord must draw up a plan of action. It is based on the National Federation of Residential Landlords (NFRL).
Who is a “fit and proper” person?
A person who has not committed any offences or had actions taken against them, as detailed in the Housing Act. Convictions for harassment, discrimination and certain legal orders may also disqualify an applicant.
Why should I bother?
The development course will enhance your skills to run a more successful business. The rules and regulations governing the rental market frequently change and if you are not aware of these, you could fall foul of the law, be prosecuted or even lose your property. Becoming accredited will ensure you are aware of these changes.
LLAS will eventually be promoting the scheme to tenants. Accredited landlords could also add value to their property, commanding higher rents, as they will be the first to be searched out by tenants.
What other benefits* are there to being accredited?
Apart from gaining further knowledge about being a successful landlord, there
are many other advantages including:
• Grant money for accredited landlords to improve their premises
• Grants to bring empty properties back into use.
• Business advantage as tenants seek out accredited landlords
• Reduced fees for licensing under the new Housing Act
• Preferential treatment by landlord organisations and Universities
• A regularly updated reference manual
• Discounted services and materials
• Ease of access to, and support from, council officers
• Use of our logo when advertising your property (conditions apply)
* These benefits change from time to time and may vary from Council to Council
Is there a fee for accreditation?
No, but there is a charge for the development course, which you must attend to become accredited.
What does it cost?
£79.90 (£68.00 + VAT) for the development course, if booked on-line. This is a discount of over 20% on the normal fees of £94.00 (£80 + VAT).
How long does accreditation last?
5 years. You will be re-accredited automatically but you must have taken steps to maintain your knowledge and keep up to date with changes in the law. Attendance at the annual London Landlords' Day event, local landlords forum and additional training events etc. will count towards re-accreditation as will membership of a recognised landlords organisation.
Who operates the LLAS?
A partnership of London Councils, private landlord organisations and London Universities. It is currently administered by the London Borough of Camden on behalf of the partnership.
Any other questions?
Please direct your questions to LLAS@camden.gov.uk.