Council’s landlord accreditation scheme will ‘put bad ones out of business’

Bad landlords could be put out of business thanks to a new accreditation scheme.

North Lincolnshire Council says it will target the ‘small minority’ with no regard for the law.

The Decent And Safe Homes (DASH) scheme aims to support good landlords and protect tenants from dodgy ones.

Landlords will be vetted and have property inspections to prove they have met the standard, which will assure tenants they can be trusted.

They will be able to display their accreditation just as restaurants show off their food hygiene ratings.

The council hopes the scheme will become the gold standard for anyone renting out and will drive up the standards of properties on the market.

Leader councillor Rob Waltham said: “The majority of landlords do not let their standards fall and they will be recognised for that. This new accreditation will become a standard which gives confidence to tenants and landlords.

“Just as the food hygiene ratings give customers confidence in buying from restaurants and takeaways, this will operate in much the same way for their homes. This accreditation puts tenants in control and enables them to only rent from good landlords but hopefully puts bad landlords out of business.

“We know too there is a small minority who flout the law, operating illegally and with a complete disregard to housing standards. This will not be tolerated.”

Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for stronger communities in Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe, said: “We have been working closely with landlords in relation to the scheme and the initial feedback from them has been very encouraging.

“The scheme enables us to support good landlords, address minor issues and ensures that where we need to act to protect tenants against criminal landlords, we can.

“I am confident this will drive standards up across the area and will enable more people from across North Lincolnshire to stay safe and well.”

The scheme will be launched in April.

Further details will be available on the council’s website.