Advice for Landlords - Responsible Landlord Scheme

Responsible Landlord Accreditation Scheme

The Scheme is a forum for local landlords and agents letting properties within Enfield to be accredited and have access to council officers.

  Aims of the scheme

• To promote the active engagement between private sector landlords and the Council.
• To encourage and promote good practice within the private rented sector.
• To give advice and support to landlords in providing high quality well managed accommodation.
• Provide opportunities to inform landlords about legislative proposals, policy and administrative changes and other matters that may affect them.
• Improve access for landlords to a range of Council contacts and services.
• Improve the satisfaction of landlords with the services they receive from the local authority.
• Reduce the number of landlord/tenant disputes needing intervention by Council officers.
• To ensure good quality housing through partnership working.

Advantages of joining the scheme

• Members will have direct contact with Officers of the Council, including Welfare Benefit and Tenancy Advice Officers.
• It will provide a forum for discussion of relevant matters concerning letting in the private sector.
• Members will work proactively with the Council in addressing and resolving issues and needs of both partners.
• Members will receive updates about changes in relevant legislation and procedures.
• Membership of the scheme should reduce the need for legal action and/or enforcement action by the Council.
• Members will receive specialist advice on housing standards from Environmental Health Officers.
• Membership of the scheme will provide public recognition for landlords and letting agents who maintain good standards in their properties.
• Members will be able to use the Responsible Lettings scheme logo in their business operations including advertising properties available for renting.
• The Council's website will show details of the scheme. This will enhance member's image as good landlords.

Before being accepted to the scheme Council officers will carry out an inspection on a number of the applicants rented properties. This is to ensure that members of the Accredited Scheme let properties responsibly and according to current rules and regulations.  

In addition Enfield council has produced a Good Practice Guide which outlines the standards landlords are required to meet in order to be considered onto the Accreditation Scheme.

Members of the scheme receive updates on new regulations and have access to council departments like Revenues and Benefits.

Landlords or agents joining the scheme are invited to attend quarterly meetings.

Any landlord or agent working in Enfield can apply to join the Scheme.  An application form can be obtained by writing to:

Enfield Council's Landlord Accreditation Scheme, Private Sector Housing, London Borough of Enfield, PO Box 59, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XL