Landlords
Landlords are encouraged to contact the Council regarding a variety of issues concerning private rented accommodation. The Council has a key role to play in advising landlords on information about necessary repairs and housing standards. Use the links below to find out more.
The Improvement and Development Agency (IDEA) and the Accreditation Network UK have produced a Landlord Development Manual. The manual contains the basic level of knowledge required for a landlord and is likely to be of use to those who are both new and experienced in the world of residential lettings.
Download the document on the right hand side of this page.
Landlord Accreditation Scheme
The Council operates a Landlords Accreditation Scheme as part of a Dorset wide initiative. The scheme consists of a set of standards or codes relating to the management and physical condition of accommodation. Landlords who join the scheme and abide by the standards are “accredited” and may enjoy a list of benefits including grant assistance.
Further information on North Dorset District Council's Landlord Accreditation Scheme can be obtained in the landlord guide.
The Landlord Accreditation Scheme is run in partnership with the National Landlords Association (Dorset) (NLA). For further information about the services the NLA can offer, contact:
Tel/Fax - 020 7840 8900
Email - mfo@landlords.org.uk
Post- National Landlords Association
3rd Floor
22-26 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TJ
Web site - www.landlords.org.uk
Accredited landlords may also benefit from a Landlord Accreditation Grant.
Council Chairman Cllr Mike Oliver (left) presenting North Dorset's first
accredited landlord, David Hitchings, with his certification.
Landlord Accreditation Grant
To gain accreditation status a landlord must ensure that his property complies with the property standards within the Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
As part of the application for accreditation a landlord must supply a valid electrical safety certificate/report. The safety certificate/report must be issued following inspection of the installation by a competent person and be valid for a period of 5 years unless otherwise specified by the competent person. Electrical certification is an essential element of the accreditation scheme but the cost of a safety inspection and report is considerable and is an additional burden on the landlord over and above his legal responsibilities.
To encourage landlords to become accredited we currently offer a Landlord Accreditation Grant to a landlord who has provided a valid electrical safety certificate as part of their application for accredited status.
In addition to encourage improvement in energy efficiency, the grant may also cover the reasonable cost of roof insulation and cavity wall insulation to the property(ies) that are subject to accreditation.
The applicant must be over 18 years of age and be the owner of the dwelling. Eligibility for assistance towards the cost of providing a valid electrical safety certificate and the cost of energy efficiency improvements will be limited to landlords applying for accredited status.
The amount of assistance will be:
- based upon the reasonable cost of the provision of the electrical report given the nature and size of the property(ies) concerned subject to a maximum level of £600.00 per property
- the reasonable cost of installing roof and cavity wall insulation to the accredited property(ies) concerned subject to a maximum level of £2,000 per accredited property.
Conditions apply and further information is available from North Dorset District Council.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
If you rent out bedsits, a shared house or house converted into flats special legal provisions may apply. These properties are also known as houses in multiple occupation.
Housing Standards Enforcement
We aim to make progress towards meeting the current and proposed housing standards through assistance, advice and encouragement to homeowners and landlords. Enforcement powers will only be used as a last resort.
Private Sector Leasing Scheme
The Council, working in partnership with East Dorset Housing Association launched the Private Sector Lease Scheme in 2005. The scheme was established to reduce the annual cost incurred by the authority to accommodate a homeless family in bed and breakfast. This cost being in the region of £500 per week. It was recognised a significant saving could be made by this authority through renting properties from the private sector to meet the needs of local homeless persons or families.
A range of unfurnished 1-4 bedroomed flats or houses situated within the 4 market towns of Blandford, SturminsterNewton, Shaftesbury and Gillingham are currently sought. Properties are ideally suited to the scheme if they provide a high standard of accommodation, and for example, possess central heating and off road or allocated car parking.
- The Private Sector Leasing Scheme possesses the following key features:
- The scheme is funded by North Dorset District Council.
- The property will be managed by East Dorset Housing Association and they become the tenant of the property throughout the duration of the lease contract.
- The rent you receive is slightly below the full market value but the rent is guaranteed and paid per calendar month to UK bank account.
- There is no administration charge for tenant or contract management.
- There is no loss of rent between tenants.
- You will have no council tax or utility liability for the duration of the lease contract.
- You will benefit from free routine property maintenance during the lease period.
The Council is interested to hear from owners who are able to commit to this scheme for a minimum of 2 years or longer.
- Contracts are 6 months shorthold tenancy with East Dorset Housing Association
- Six months notice is required to withdraw from the scheme
Please do not hesitate to make contact with the Housing Enabling Officer on 01258 484377 or Email: jrickman@north-dorset.gov.uk if you would like more information and a no obligation (or free) appraisal of your property to join the lease scheme.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
From 6 April 2007 landlords and letting agents that create new assured short hold tenancies will need to join an authorised Tenancy Deposit Protecton Scheme if they intend to take a deposit. Further details can be obtained from the Directgov web site.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
From the 1st October 2008 an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be required when a privately or socially rented home is let-out. Further details can be obtained from the Communities and Local Government website.
An Energy Performance Certificate for a property will identify ways in which its energy efficiency can be improved. There are grants available to assist landlords and their tenants to carry out such works.
Gas Safety Changes
It is a legal requirement that all gas appliances in rented accommodation are checked by a competent gas engineer at least every 12 months. For more information see the HSE website. For the last 17 years to perform work on any gas installation it has been a legal requirement that engineers are registered with Corgi (The Confederation of Registered Gas Installers). However from 1 April 2009 the Corgi registration of gas engineers will cease and it will be a legal requirement that gas engineers are registered under a new system operated by Capita Group Plc. For more information about the new registration system for gas engineers see the HSE website.
Landlords will still need to have gas equipment checked by a competent gas engineer at least every 12 months.
Until 31 March 2009 all competent gas engineers should be registered with Corgi from 1 April 2009 all competent gas engineers should be registered with Capita.
Please call Environmental Health at North Dorset District Council (01258) 484381 or e-mail us for more details of this service. |
