RLA : RPI : Time for accreditation

News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members

other artilces from the February / March 2001 issue

Time for accreditation - February / March 2001

There is increasing evidence that the private rented sector is proving to be the best supplier of accommodation for the asylum seeker dispersal initiative, and that the Labour Government is well aware of this. As I have said, given a level playing field, a market price and an enforceable legal framework, the private rented sector can deliver best every time.

However, this can only be regarded as a little light at the end of the tunnel. In order to convince our detractors we need to demonstrate our ability always to deliver the necessary property and management standards that are required in the 21st century.

The issues are more than the standards of property. Indeed, the property standard is the by-product of other issues. The terms and execution of the tenancy agreement, the conditions under which deposits are held, the timeliness of responses to requests for repairs, the information supplied to the tenant, the tenant's avenue for complaint, and the landlord's responsibility to the rest of the community are all matters which must also be addressed.

The Government and others still believe the best way to tackle these issues is by different pieces of legislation, patrolled by separate agencies, and giving rise to separate interpretations in each council area. The fact that this approach has totally failed in the past and is still failing seems to go unnoticed.

The only way to address all these issues, improve the industry and stop regulation creep is for the industry to introduce a comprehensive Landlord Accreditation Scheme. And for all outside agencies to support development of the private rented sector for a change!

Martin J Moylan

other artilces from the February / March 2001 issue