CLASS - Citywide Landlord Accreditation Safety Scheme
Do you let property in the private rented sector?
Have you considered joining CLASS - Liverpool City Council's voluntary Landlord Accreditation Scheme?
What is CLASS?
CLASS is a free scheme for private landlords, which recognises good quality, well-managed private rented accommodation.
It sets out minimum safety, contractual and service delivery standards that tenants can expect when they rent accommodation. These standards are clear, understandable and readily achievable.
Landlords self certify that their property meets the standard set out in the scheme and sign up to a code of management of practice.
Gas and electrical safety certificates must be provided when applying for accreditation status.
From 1 October 2008 landlords are required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate when they rent out a home.
Aims of the CLASS scheme
The scheme aims to promote good landlords providing quality housing in the private rented sector. It will provide official recognition that private rented housing in Liverpool is of good quality, safe and well managed for the benefit of the tenants who live there.
The scheme is voluntary and landlords are under no legal obligation to apply for accreditation.
The scheme is free to join and when your property meets the minimum standards of the scheme, you will receive a certificate to display and can use the accreditation logo on letterheads.
What is the purpose of the scheme?
CLASS works closely with professional landlords to promote good quality housing and management practice.
What are the benefits for landlords?
- The status of being publicly recognised as a good landlord
- Information and guidance on access to energy efficiency grants for insulation and heating
- Free seminars and advice by request on housing related matters
- A web-site which lists accredited landlords, linked to the City Council web-site
- Accredited landlords and their properties are given priority when the City Council offers contracts for housing provision
- Accredited landlords have improved access to Council services via a landlord accreditation officer
- Substantial discounts on HMO Licensing Fees for properties accredited under CLASS
What are the benefits to tenants?
- Tenants of accredited properties can expect the property to be safe and in good repair
- You can be confident that the landlord has committed to the health, safety and welfare of their tenants
- Clear and concise tenancy agreements that inform both the tenant and landlord of their responsibilities
- From the 6th April 2007 accredited landlords who take deposits must join a statutory tenancy deposits scheme
Download your application and scheme requirements
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Landlord Accreditation - Code of management practice
Landlord Accreditation - Application form
Landlord Accreditation - Self-certification form
Useful links
Accredited Landlord Contact Lists
Useful links Liverpool City Council
Landlord Associations
www.landlords.org.uk The National Landlords Association
www.rla.org.uk - The residential Landlords Association
www.bpf.org.uk - The British Property Federation
Lettings/Managing Agents Associations
www.ukala.org.uk - UK Association of Letting Agents
www.nalscheme.co.uk - National approved letting scheme
www.arma.org.uk - Association of Residential Managing Agents
www.rics.org - Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Tenant Organisations
www.citizensadvice.org.uk - Citizens Advice Bureau
www.mydeposits.co.uk - Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme
Students
www.lsh.liv.ac.uk - Student homes web site
www.nusonline.co.uk - National Union of Students
General
www.salford.gov.uk/living/housing/private-housing-information/landlords-info/alist.htm - A&LIST Authorities and Landlords improving standards together
www.direct.gov.uk - Public services all in one place
www.anuk.org.uk - Accreditaion Network Uk
www.rpts.gov.uk/htm/whatwedo.htm - The Residential Property Tribunal Service
www.gassaferegister.co.uk - Gas Safety
www.fire.gov.uk - Fire Safety