Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme

Development Dates for 2013 - Held at UK Paper, Remembrance Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10

22 March 2013

For future course dates visit : London Landlords

What is accreditation?

We have a strategic approach to the housing needs of everyone in our community and recognise the important role the private rented sector has in providing accommodation for a diverse range of households. As part of this new approach, we have set up a Kent wide voluntary accreditation scheme, the Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme, KLAS, that recognised landlords who manage their properties to a good standard and is recognised across the whole of Kent.

Accreditation is voluntary with a set of standards relating to the management or physical condition of privately rented accommodation. Landlords who join the scheme and abide by the standards are "accredited" and are recognised across Kent as good landlords. There is no compulsion for landlords to join, but there are many advantages.

Who can join the Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme (KLAS)?

The scheme is open to any landlord and also to those who are considering becoming a landlord.

What are the aims of the Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme (KLAS)?

To provide landlords across Kent with information and professional development opportunities to:

allow them to operate a successful business
provide their tenants with safe and high quality accommodation
reduce the need for intervention from Local Authorities

What are the requirements of the Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme (KLAS)?

The KLAS will accredit the landlord, not the property. A landlord will need to:

attend a one day development course to obtain the knowledge and skills to help operate run their business successfully
agree to follow a code of conduct
be a fit and proper person

What does the Code of Conduct require?

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. View the KLAS Code of Conduct.

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 disqualify an applicant.

What are the benefits to landlords of being accredited?

Apart from gaining the knowledge to be a good landlord, and being recognised as a good landlord, there are many other advantages including:

a regularly updated reference manual
discounted materials and services
reduced training fees

What benefits are there for tenants?

Tenants can benefit from knowing that if they choose to rent from an accredited landlord, the property will be in good condition and the tenancy will be managed to a good standard.

What benefits are there for local communities?

It is in everyone's interests if housing is well managed and kept in good condition. The scheme can help to increase the supply of good quality accommodation, to the benefit to existing tenants and potential tenants who may not have considered renting privately in the past. It also helps to foster better landlord/tenant relationships and reduces the need for intervention by council officers.

How long does the accreditation last?

Five years and the landlord will be re-accredited automatically provided they:

have not breached the code of conduct
have taken steps to keep up to date changes in the law

Attendance at local landlords forum and additional training events etc. will count towards re-accreditation as will membership of a recognised landlords organisation.

Who operates the KLAS accreditation scheme?

The scheme is a partnership made up of the majority of Kent Councils and Landlord Associations. We have joined together with other Borough Councils and the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme and the scheme is administered by Camden Borough Council on behalf of the partnership.

For further information please contact our Housing Initiative Officer (Details at the top of this page).