New scheme to support Sunderland's private landlords

The local authority has set up a new Landlord Accreditation Scheme which enables private landlords to access a tenant find and a reference service, including ASB checks and previous tenancies, alongside other benefits, if their properties meet a minimum set of standards.

The service aims to support residents to find good quality homes for private rent, while also recognising and rewarding landlords whose properties meet a good standard and are well managed with a range of support services and advice as well as a free tenant find service.

Landlords whose properties meet the accreditation standard can have their homes matched to tenants who have registered with us, and can also tap into a wealth of knowledge and support on issues such as dispute resolution and support and advice on accessing a wider tenant market.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, dynamic city cabinet member at Sunderland City Council, said: "There are some fantastic privately rented properties available in the city, and some excellent private landlords who deliver a high level of service and support and great value for money to residents occupying their properties.

"Through this service, we want to help both residents and landlords, ensuring that we proactively drive up the standard of the private rented sector by working with property owners to ensure they have a good quality offer and then connecting them with referenced residents to ensure the property is occupied by a good tenant, as quickly as possible." 

The scheme is part of a concerted drive to improve the quality of rental properties in Sunderland, with the council also having returned to Registered Provider status to provide affordable homes across the city.

In order to be accredited, landlords must meet a minimum standard set by Sunderland City Council and show that their homes will be well managed by a fit and proper person.  They must also be free from health and safety hazards such as rising damp, and the service can also provide inventories and deposit guarantees for qualifying tenants.

The scheme is part of a wider council Housing Delivery and Investment Plan (HDIP) to enable local people to access homes that they need and enable them to live independently as possible.  The local authority has committed to bring more than 360 empty properties into use as family homes over the next five years; deliver 117 new build bungalows; and through new build, conversion and refurbishment, create 95 new homes as supported accommodation. 

Cllr Johnston added: "We are looking holistically at how we support the whole housing market in Sunderland, bringing empty homes back into use, building specialist affordable homes for rent, and working with landlords to make improvements to their homes that will ensure they are attractive to residents looking for a good quality home to rent."

Find out more about the scheme by visiting www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/18249/Accredited-Landlord-Service