Accreditation Scheme

Introduction

The aim of the Accreditation Scheme is to give recognition to good quality, well managed rental accommodation. We work with private landlords to provide decent homes to rent in the private sector.

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Key Facts

• Accreditation status lasts for five years
• Accreditation is not a legal requirement
• The scheme is based on self-certification by the Landlord or Agent
• A proportion of all properties are routinely inspected

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Benefits to landlords

• Quick and simple application process
• Helpful Handbook and information fact sheets
• Peace of mind that your property meets all legal requirements and matches good market standards
• Tenants prefer accredited properties
• Grants / discounts on improvements to security and energy efficiency*
• Additional incentives for landlords working with the Deposit Bond scheme
• Discounted HMO licence fee
• Preferential advertising to students through the university accommodation offices
• Reduced fees for West of England landlord training sessions
• Accreditation certificate to display in the property

* If you indicate on the the application form that you require security or energy efficiency works, your details will be forwarded to our partners - either the Police Safer Bristol Scheme for security work or Domestic and General Insulation Limited for energy efficiency works - so that they can contact you directly to arrange a convenient appointment.

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Applying for accreditation

 To apply for the Bristol Accreditation Scheme download the Application Form from the bottom of this page and read the Handbook and Fact Sheets. 

Complete the form and return to our offices along with the relevant safety certificates.

• Satisfactory Electrical periodic inspection report (e.g. Niceic) dated within the Last Five Years. 

• Satisfactory Gas Safe Safety certificate for all appliances dated within the Last 12 Months. 

• Satisfactory Fire Alarm Certificate (HMOs only) date within the Last 6 Months. 

• Energy performance certificate (ECP) unless property is exempt 
  • i.e.tenancy commence before 1 October 2008 or
  • property entirely let as bed sits or
  • shared house with individual tenancies)

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Information for tenants

Reassurance:

• The gas, electrics and fire alarms have been checked
• The property meets legal requirements and the accreditation standards
• Your landlord or agent has signed up to the Code of Good Management Practice

How do I know if I’m living in an accredited property?

• Your landlord will be given a certificate to put up in the property that will let you know how long the accreditation status lasts.
• Bristol City Council will write to you periodically letting you know you’re living in an accredited property and where to go for more information
• You can call us and ask us to check for you

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Accreditation Partners

The scheme is a partnership initiative of:

• Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, North Somerset Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council
• Avon Fire and Rescue
• Avon and Somerset Police
• Centre for Sustainable Energy
• Domestic and General Insulation Limited
• University of Bristol, University of the West of England, City of Bristol College

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What if things go wrong

If a complaint is lodged about you or the property this will be fully investigated. You have a right to an appeal and a review of any decision made. Please see the complaints procedure for further information.

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Contact us

Contact the relevant Team or email: private.housing@bristol.gov.uk

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Useful Information

Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

Tenant Deposit Protection Schemes

• Landlords are required to join a statutory tenancy deposit scheme, if they take deposit.
• This means that deposits are protected.

Deposit Bond Scheme

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