RLA: Accreditation schemes will weed out bad landlords

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The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has said that private landlords need to accept their accountability to local authorities in highly regulated rented sectors.

The group is dedicated to weeding out 'cowboy' landlords by using local accreditation schemes, which shows its belief in self-regulation.

RLA director Chris Town said: "Many areas of industry and commerce that serve the public are regulated - wherever consumer interests need protecting.

"Our private rented sector is no exception - particularly because of the well established links between poor housing and poor health. People who decide to become landlords must accept they will need to comply with legislative standards."

However, he added: "But let the emphasis be on self-regulation through partnership with local authorities. Jointly organised accreditation schemes have already provided foundations for improving standards and relationships between landlords, tenants, local authorities and local communities."

This will benefit the vast majority of good landlords, and mean that enforcement is aimed squarely at bad landlords who don't measure up.

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