Welcome To Wirral

What is accreditation?

Do all of my properties have to be accredited?

What if my property does not meet the accreditation standards?

Refusal of Accreditation

What standards will my property have to meet?

Property Standards

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

How long does accreditation last?

Membership Benefits

What benefits are there for tenants?

What benefits are there for the local community?

Can letting agents join the accreditation scheme?

Can tenants be accredited?

Where can I find out more?

How can I apply to join the Scheme?

Landlord Involvement

Private Landlord Forum

Landlord Link-Up Newsletter

Landlord Focus Group

Private Landlord Forum Steering Group

Accredited Properties To Let

 

 What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a set of standards (or codes) relating to the management or physical condition of privately rented accommodation. Landlords who join a scheme and abide by the standards are “accredited”. Accreditation schemes are voluntary. There is no compulsion for landlords to join, but there may be many advantages.

Do all of my properties have to be accredited?

You do not have to put every property forward for accreditation but you will only receive a certificate for each property you submit that meets the standards.

During the accreditation process, the properties you have submitted will be visited by a member of the Landlord Accreditation Team who will not only advise you of any repairs that may be needed to bring the property up to accreditation standard but will also bring to your attention any long-term problems which may affect the property in the future.

Many landlords put all their properties forward to take advantage of receiving a free survey of each property.

What if my property does not meet the accreditation standards?

The Landlord Accreditation Team will work with you and every opportunity will be given for you to rectify any failures within specific time scales.

Refusal of Accreditation

The Council has the right to refuse the accreditation of any landlord if it is felt that the applicant does not meet the standards expected of the scheme. Should the Council come to this decision full justification will always be provided.

If you disagree with the decision to refuse accreditation you have the right of appeal. Details on how to do this can be obtained upon request.

What standards will my property have to meet?

There is a Code of Standards detailing the standard of practice expected by Wirral Council Landlord Accreditation Scheme. The code was produced in conjunction with local landlords, agents and North West Property Owner’s Association and is not intended to replace any legal obligations expected of private sector residential landlords.

In order to gain accreditation status, landlords must meet ALL of the standards stated within this document. If all criteria cannot be met at the time of application, members of the Landlord Accreditation Team will work with you to assist you meeting the standards

A visit will be made to each property submitted for accreditation to ascertain if the accreditation standards have been achieved.

Please ensure that your property is free from Category 1 Hazards as defined in the Housing Act 2004 before submitting for accreditation.

See HHSRS

Wirral’s scheme also recognises that all properties are different and may offer a higher standard and therefore uses a Star Rating system to reward those properties meeting a higher standard. A star-rating is given for each category assessed at a higher standard. This means that a property can be awarded anything from 1 to 5 stars.

The accreditation requirements are split into five areas which will be assessed during the visit. These areas are:

• Electrical Safety
• Fire Safety
• Thermal Comfort
• Security
• Repair and Maintenance

Property Standards

Electrical Safety

The electrical installation including wiring, switches and sockets must be in a safe condition. This is supported by you signing a Self-Certification Electrical Installation Statement.

In the event of defects or danger signs, an electrician must be called immediately and any defects rectified.

Star Rating

A split load consumer unit incorporating a residual current device (RCD) is installed to protect circuits (lighting circuits excluded).
Or
Provision of an inspection report from an NICEIC approved electrician.

Fire Safety

Single household properties to be fitted with a form of fire detection incorporating an audible alarm. It is recommended that a minimum of one battery-operated smoke detector, suitable sited, provided on each floor. Usually sited centrally in the hallway and landing area.

Detectors to comply with the appropriate British Standards, for both manufacture and installation and should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that they are operating properly.

All exit routes within a property such as hallways, landings and staircases, so far as they are under the control of the landlord, is kept free of obstruction so as to enable safe evacuation in the event of fire.

Star Rating

One mains wired smoke detector with battery back up to be provided on each floor and one suitably sited mains operated heat detector within the kitchen which meet with BS 5446 Part 1. All detectors should be interlinked so that detection by one unit triggers the alarm in the other units.
OR
A wall-mounted fire blanket in a suitable container with the open end at a convenient height so the blanket is easily and safely accessible and a 2kg. Dry powder fire extinguisher suitable sited within the kitchen area.

Thermal Comfort

Roof spaces, where accessible, should be insulated to the minimum requirement with a suitable thermal insulating product.

Water tanks and pipes above the insulation level should be lagged.

Hot water cylinders should be provided with an insulating jacket.

Energy saving light bulbs should be provided to at least the two most frequently used light fittings (a pack of 2 light bulbs is given to your tenants when you apply for accreditation).

Where appropriate, external doors, windows and letterboxes should be draft proofed.

Where there is no central heating provision, lettings should have a fixed gas or electric appliance or fixed heating source to the main living area.

Star Rating

As above, plus adequate and well maintained central heating or full house heating and cavity wall insulation.

Security

External doors must be of a strong, solid, safe construction. The door, and associated architrave and frame must be of sufficient strength to resist forced entry and be fitted with a five-lever mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621 or an equivalent standard.

Star Rating

Ground floor and upper storey windows accessible from the ground must be of sound construction and fitted with window locks.

Repair and Maintenance

You must ensure your properties fully comply with all current, relevant housing legislation. All parts of the house should be in a reasonable state of repair, be clean and safe, and any appliances provided by the landlord should be in good working order prior to occupation.

Landlords should undertake to carry out internal and external inspections of the property at appropriate intervals (depending on whether complaints have been received). Regular inspections can help resolve tenancy problems at an early stage and make the landlords aware of any unreported repairs.

The landlord should make adequate and suitable provision for the disposal of household refuse.

Maintenance which can be carried out in a planned and cyclical manner such as gas servicing and gutter cleaning. Exterior and internal painting should be carried out with due regard to the convenience of the tenants.

Landlords should advise tenants that gardens should be kept reasonably tidy and damaged fencing should be renewed or repaired as soon as possible.

There must be a recognised procedure for reporting and dealing with repairs.

Tenants should be given details of how to turn off the water supply, gas electricity services and an emergency telephone number to report repairs.

Star Rating

Properties which demonstrate that a landlord has maintained the structure to a high level of repair and maintenance will be awarded a star rating.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

What is HHSRS?

The Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a risk assessment method used to assess potential risks to the health and safety of occupants in residential properties in England and Wales. The legislation came into effect in England on 6 April 2006 under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.

HHSRS replaced the Housing Fitness Standard which was set out in the Housing Act 1985.

This new assessment method focuses on the hazards that are most likely to be present in housing. Tackling these hazards makes homes healthier and safer to live in whereas the Fitness Standards did not deal with or dealt with adequately with cold and falls for example.

Who does it affect?

It affects all owners, private landlords and Social Landlords.

The private sector contains some of the worst housing conditions and owners and landlords should be aware that any inspections of their property is made using HHSRS.

Private Landlords and Agents should assess their properties to determine whether there are serious hazards that may cause a health or safety risk to tenants. They should then carry out necessary improvements to reduce any risks.

How does it Work?

A risk assessment looks at the likelihood of an incident arising from the condition of the property and the likely harmful outcome. For example, how likely is a fire to break out or what will happen if one does?

The HHSRS assesses 29 hazards and the effects that each may have on the health and safety of the current or future occupant or any visitor to the property. It applies to all residential properties irrespective of whether they are occupied by a homeowner or a tenant. It is not possible to completely remove all risk of harm from within a property, but the system provides a way that hazards can be assessed and to decide on what is the best way of dealing with them.

A hazard rating is expressed through a numerical score, which falls within a band. There are 10 bands. An assessment will show the presence of any serious (Category 1) hazards and other less serious (Category 2) hazards.

The HHSRS assessment is based on the risk to the potential occupant who is most vulnerable to that hazard e.g. Stairs are a greater risk to the elderly so when assessing hazards relating to stairs the elderly are considered as the most vulnerable potential occupant.

The hazards that can be assessed are those associated with or arising from:

Physiological Requirements	Protection Against Infection
Damp and mould growth	Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
Excess cold	Food safety
Excess heat	Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
Asbestos (and MMF)	Water supply for domestic purpose
Biocides
Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products	Protection Against Accidents
Lead	Falls associated with baths
Radiation	Falling on level surfaces
Uncombusted fuel gas	Falling on etc
Volatile Organic Compounds	Falling between levels
	Electrical hazards
	Fire
Psychological requirements	Flames, hot surfaces
Crowding and space	Collision and entrapment
Entry by intruders	Explosions
Lighting	Position and operability of amenities
Noise	Structural collapse and failing elements

Local Authority officers surveying properties now use this new assessment process.

Properties must be free from Category 1 hazards before being considered for accreditation.

For more information and HHSRS Enforcement refer to:
www.communities.gov.uk

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

What is an HMO?

Under the changes in the Housing Act 2004, if you let a property which is one of the following types it is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO):

• An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants who form 2 or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
• A house which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to 3 or more tenants who form two or more households and who share kitchen, bathroom or toilet facilities.
• A converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self contained (i.e. the flat does not contain within it a kitchen, bathroom and toilet) and which is occupied by 3 or more tenants who form two or more households.
• A building which is converted entirely into self-contained flats if the conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies.

In order to be an HMO the property must be used as the tenants’ only or main residence and it should be used solely or mainly to house tenants. Properties let to students and migrant workers will be treated as their only or main residence and the same will apply to properties which are used as domestic refuges.

Certain categories of HMOs MUST be licensed. Please refer to Mandatory HMO Licensing for more information.

Fire Detection

To ensure that tenants can safely exit in the event of a fire, it is essential in all HMOs that sufficient early warning is given and that the main escape route is adequately protected. There are specific standards governing the fire precautions necessary in this type of accommodation. Properties are assessed on an individual basis.

Clear guidance on fire safety requirements for HMOs will be given by members of the HMO Team.

For further information, please contact:
HMO Team, Private Sector Housing
Wallasey Town Hall
Brighton Street
Wallasey
Wirral CH44 8ED
Tel: 0151 691 8118
email privatesectorhousing@wirral.gov.uk.

 

MANDATORY HMO LICENSING

This leaflet provides general information on the respective responsibilities and liabilities of Landlords, managing agents, letting agents and property management companies in the operation of licensed and licensable Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s).

In this document any reference to a HMO is that which is required to have a mandatory licence under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. Wirral Council is responsible for ensuring any property that is required by law to have a mandatory licence, is so licensed.

As you should now be aware certain types of HMO’s must have a mandatory licence as required by the Act to continue operating within the private sector. Mandatory licensing of HMO’s came into force on the 6th April 2006.

Under mandatory HMO licensing, a property may need to be licensed if it consists of:-

• three or more storeys,
• occupied by five or more tenants,
• in two or more households, and
• there is a sharing of an amenity.

The above should be taken as guidance only for the purposes of HMO licensing, there are other factors that may be relevant when trying to determine if you need to apply for a licence or not. You should seek further advice from the HMO team by telephoning 0151-691-8118 before deciding on whether you need to apply for a licence.

Number of storeys

When counting the number of storeys in the building you need to include:

• basements and attics if they are occupied or have been converted for occupation by residents or if they are in use in connection with the occupation of the HMO by residents
• certain mezzanine floors
• any storeys which are occupied by you and your family if you are a resident landlord.
• all the storeys in residential occupation, even if some are self-contained
• any business premises on the ground or any upper floor will also be included in the calculation of number of storeys, regardless as to whether it is used, or not used in connection with any of the living accommodation within the HMO.

Households

The following are 'households' for the purposes of the Act:

Members of the same family living together including:

• Couples married to each other or living together as husband and wife (or in an equivalent relationship in the case of persons of the same sex)
• Relatives living together, including parents, grandparents, children (and step-children), grandchildren, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces or cousins
• Half-relatives will be treated as full relatives. A foster child living with his foster parent is treated as living in the same household as his foster parent.

Therefore three friends sharing together are considered three households. If a couple are sharing with a third person that would consist of two households.

Amenity

There only has to be some sharing of one or all of the following amenities:-

• Kitchen
• Toilet
• Wash hand basin
• Shower or Bath

A landlord or his agent will be required to complete one application form for HMO property as required. The form contains questions which enable the council to decide whether or no the landlord, agent and the property meet the criteria and can be granted a licence for a HMO the council has to be satisfied of the following:

• That the proposed licence holder (if not the agent) and any manager of the property is a fit and proper person.
• That the proposed licence holder is the most appropriate person to hold the licence.
• That proper management standards are being applied to the property
• That the HMO is a reasonably suitable, or can be made suitable, for occupation by the number of tenants allowed under the licence.

The council has to be satisfied that any proposed licence holder is a “fit and proper”.

If a landlord uses either a managing agent, letting agent or a property management company to manage the HMO, then that person also has to be a fit and proper person and their details must be included on the licence.

If the landlord is not going to have everyday management responsibility for the HMO, the council may consider the managing agent, letting agent or a property management company to be the most appropriate person to be the licence holder.

The landlord can hold the licence or nominate someone else such as an individual, managing agent, letting agent or a property management company (with their agreement) to be the licence holder. Whoever holds a licence must be the person who is most appropriate to hold the licence for the property.

Where the a managing agent, letting agent or a property management company is the licence holder, that person is accepting full and sole responsibility for the management needs for that particularly HMO. In the event of the Council taking enforcement action in such a situation, the licence holder will assume full legal liability.

It is a criminal offence to operate a licensable HMO without a licence. The maximum fine on conviction is £20,000.

This guide is produced for information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Landlords, managers and managing agents are advised to seek legal advice on their respective responsibilities and liabilities rather than seek to rely on this as a definitive guide. No liability will be accepted for reliance on this.

Further information is available from the Council’s HMO Team who can be contacted on 0151-691-8118 or email privatesectorhousing@wirral.gov.uk

How long does accreditation last?

Accreditation lasts for 3 years. However, your certificate will be renewed annually to ensure the property continues to meet the accreditation standards during that period.

Membership Benefits

There are a number of benefits, which are only available to accredited landlords. All accredited landlords benefit from:

• FREE advertising in the Wirral Globe
• FREE advertising on Wirral Council’s web site
• Jewson’s Discount Card
• The status of being publicly identified as a good landlord and the use of the LAS symbol in advertising or for use on letterheads
• Access to Insulation Grants for cavity wall and loft insulation
• Access to Central Heating Grants
• Access to Tenant Referencing Scheme
• Advice and guidance of landlord matters
• Access to The Bond Scheme
• FREE training
• Access to a Mediation Service
• Currently FREE to join
• Marketing advantage over non-accredited landlords

Wirral Council is currently working on other incentives in conjunction with the Landlord Focus Group.

What benefits are there for tenants?

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

Wirral Council currently has around 2000 landlords with property in the Wirral area. Where you see the LAS (Landlord Accreditation Scheme) logo on an advertised property, you can be assured of a safe, secure and well managed home. The landlord will have a certificate to prove the property has met the accreditation standards.

Managing and Letting Agents may also display the LAS logo. This demonstrates they have management processes that treat tenants fairly and make sure that repairs are carried out promptly. Ask the Agent if accredited property is available so you can feel confident that the accommodation has met the required standard.

You can check if accreditation membership is current by contacting the Landlord Accreditation Team.

If you are a tenant who would like to rent a property from an Accredited Landlord, a list of Approved Accredited Landlords and Agents is available. Available Accredited property is also advertised on Wirral’s website.

What benefits are there for the local community?

Accreditation schemes provide a range of benefits to the local community. It is in everyone’s interest if housing is well managed and kept in good condition. A successful 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.

Can letting agents join the accreditation scheme?

Yes, Managing/letting agents can apply to join Wirral’s Managing Agents Accreditation Scheme.

You can do this by contacting the Landlord Accreditation Team on 0151 691 8132 or email lat@wirral.gov.uk and requesting an Application Pack. Complete and return the enclosed application form and a member of the Accreditation Team will arrange to call out and explain the Scheme in more detail.

You will be assessed on the Management Standards and on meeting the accreditation criteria you will be issued with a certificate. You MUST encourage your landlords to submit their properties for accreditation. Those properties will be individually assessed against the Property Standards.

Management Standards

Whilst the physical standards of the property of an important part of the accreditation process, areas that cause most complaints are those relating to the management practices and standards of the Landlord or Agent. Therefore, Wirral’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme also includes the compliance of management criteria and a demonstration of the following practices.

Managing/Letting Agents will be assessed on the following standards and Landlords may be asked to provide proof of compliance during the accreditation process.

Advertising

• Accurately report property details and allow prospective tenants to view the property having due regard to the right of existing tenants.

Deposits

• The Landlord/Agent MUST be a member of a tenancy deposit protection scheme.
• The deposit MUST be safeguarded in a scheme within 14 days of receipt.
• The tenant MUST be provided with details of the scheme.

Receipts

• Provide a receipt for all rent payments upon request, if rent is payable other than weekly. Written receipts must be provided for all cash transactions.

Fees

• Clearly inform prospective tenants of any fees that may be charged for arranging a letting agreement.

Pre-tenancy Check

• Ensure that at the commencement of the tenancy a pre-tenancy check has been completed and that all obligations on the part of the owner in regard to repairs and property maintenance or improvements have been fully discharged or will be carried out by a date agreed with the tenant/s. Any pre-tenancy repairs or intentions on the part of the landlord to undertake improvements should be confirmed in writing.

Information

• Provide details of an emergency contact (if different from details contained in the tenancy agreement). The Landlord/Agent must ensure the procedure works in practice.
• Provide details of the relevant utility companies and ensure that the tenant/s knows how to get the services transferred/re-connected where necessary.

Tenants/Landlords Charter

• Ask that tenants are made aware of their obligations and understand the terms of the Tenant/Landlords Charter which must be signed by both parties.

Tenancy Agreements

• Provide the tenants with a suitable written tenancy agreement in plain English, in a minimum font size of 12 pints (or rent book if weekly tenancy), stating the name, telephone number, current registered address of the owner and Agent if applicable.

• The contract should not contain clauses that conflict with the tenant’s legal rights or with the terms of this code of practice. Prospective tenants should be given a full copy of the tenancy agreement. When requested tenants should be permitted at least 48 hours within which to seek advice regarding those contractual terms.

• Clearly detail what rates, taxed, services or other charges are included in the rent and which are not. The Landlord/Agents responsibilities for maintaining these services should be detailed.
• Include clear written instructions for the payment of rent.
• Include clauses regarding nuisance and anti-social behaviour and the penalties if tenants behave in an anti-social manner.
• Clearly state the grounds for termination of the tenancy and the possession procedure which will ensue if the terms of the tenancy are not complied with.

Inventories

• Supply an inventory, indicating the condition of the items where necessary.
• The inventory must be signed by the Landlord and countersigned by the tenant once both parties have had an opportunity to check its correctness.
• Where a Managing/Letting Agent is employed, the Landlord shall at the commencement of the letting, personally sign the inventory to confirm his acceptance of the Agent’s description of the items listed in the inventory or delegate to the Agent in writing responsibility for compiling the inventory and for deciding at the termination of the letting whether all or part of the deposit shall be returned to the tenants.

Housing Benefits

• Landlords who assist tenants to complete application forms should sign the appropriate part to indicate that they have helped to complete them.
• To assist the speed of processing, Landlords should, where possible, ensure that the tenant has evidence of all income to accompany the claim.
• If Housing Benefit is paid directly to the Landlord and there is an overpayment, then it should be repaid to the Housing Benefit Section once they have been notified of the amount due, subject to the Landlords right of appeal.
• Where housing benefits are paid, provide a quarterly statement to inform tenants of their outstanding contribution.
• Landlords should advise their tenants to keep the Housing Benefit Section up to date with any changes in their circumstances. Landlords who are aware of changes must also notify the Housing Benefits Section.
• Landlords should encourage tenants to return review forms and be in for notified visits.
• Landlords should promptly advise Housing Benefits when a tenant vacates a property.

Disputes

• Where disputes arise between the Landlord and tenant, make a written response to correspondence from tenants or their agents within 3 weeks, ensure that all settlements and agreements are reached are honoured within 3 weeks of such a settlement being agreed and maintain courteous professional relations with tenants during any dispute
• Provide contact details to immediate neighbours and agree to respond to complaints regarding neighbour nuisance or the anti-social behaviour of their tenants.

Landlords agree within one week to:

• Visit/contact the tenant to discuss the nature of the complaint.
• Write to the tenant to discuss the nature of the complaint.
• Write to the tenant following initial contact detailing what was discussed and agreed.
• During the initial contact, the LANDLORDS will respect the anonymity of the complainant if this is requested.
• Co-operate fully with the appropriate agencies if the complaint is not resolved in the first week and take action within agreed time scales.
• Where it is agreed that there is sound evidence of persistent breach of tenancy conditions the owner/Agent will serve a notice to terminate the tenancy. The enforcement of this notice will depend upon the subsequent behaviour of the tenant in response to the notice.

Business Conduct

• Not demand money on an unreasonable base,
• Behave in a professional, courteous and fair manner towards their tenants and prospective tenants.
• Ensure that in the provision and letting of housing or associated services and in the letting of contracts, no person, or group of persons applying will be treated less favourably than any other person or group of persons because of their race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
• Adopt the correct procedure for tenancy termination and refrain from any act of harassment or illegal eviction.
• Ensure adequate insurance is in place for property and Landlords furnishings.
• Give adequate notice of entry before inspecting a property, except in the case of an emergency.

Can tenants be accredited?

We are currently looking at introducing a Tenant Accreditation Scheme in the near future. If the tenant of an accredited property has proved to their landlord that they have conducted their tenancy to a designated standard they will be issued with a certificate of accreditation when they relinquish their tenancy. The tenant can then produce this certificate as a form of reference to a new landlord.

Where can I find out more?

You will find more details on this web site but if you would like an application pack to be sent to you direct then telephone:

Landlord Accreditation Team on 0151 691 8132 or email lat@wirral.gov.uk

For more general information about accreditation, contact the National Accreditation Network UK. Their email address is:Info@anuk.org.uk or visit the Network’s site at www.anuk.org.uk or write to the National Accreditation Network, Unipol Student Homes, The Sports Centre, University of Bradford, Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD7 1DT.

How can I apply to join the Scheme?

Becoming an accredited landlord is simple!

• Contact the Landlord Accreditation Team on 0151 691 8132 or email lat@wirral.gov.uk for an Application Pack.
• Complete and return the enclosed application form. The form includes the Tenant and Landlord Charters and Self-Certification Electrical Installation Certificate which should be signed by you.
• Return the application Form together with a copy of

1. Up to date gas safety certificate

2. Tenancy agreement

• A member of Wirral’s Landlord Accreditation Team will contact your tenant direct to arrange an accreditation assessment of the property. Properties must be found free from Category 1 hazards as identified by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. This rating system came into force in April 2006 under the Housing Act 2004 and replaces the fitness standard. HHSRS Link

• If your property meets the requirements of the code of standards and you have returned the necessary documentation (as above) your certificate will be forwarded to you.

See Property Standards for the standards which will be assessed.

Landlord Involvement

With the introduction of the Housing Act 2004, there are many challenges ahead for the private rented sector. Wirral works closely with landlords to enable the sector to address local and national issues and to be kept up to date on government legislation and through the Private Landlord Forum and the Landlord Link-Up Newsletter

Private Landlord Forum

The Private Landlord Forum takes place twice a year and is usually held in the March and September. The Private Landlord Forum Steering Group consists of local private landlords, agents and council officers from the Regeneration and Housing Benefit Departments.

Landlord Link-Up Newsletter

The Regeneration and Housing Benefits Department issue a newsletter every three months. We attempt to include articles which we feel you find of interest or will help you. However, if you would like learn more about a certain topic, please let us know and we’ll attempt to include this in a future issue. You can write to us at: Landlord Accreditation Team Regeneration Department, Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED or email lat@wirral.gov.uk

Landlord Focus Group

The Landlord Focus Group consists of landlords, managing agents and council officers and has been in existence since late 2002. The Group meets on a regular basis and its role is to discuss Housing Benefit issues and review Wirral’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme.

The meetings are open to all accredited landlords and agents or those working toward accreditation and representation from any landlord association with local membership.

Private Landlord Forum Steering Group

The Private Landlord Steering Group consists of landlords, agents and council officers who meet on a regular basis. The Group has been in existence since early 2004 and its role is to facilitate Wirral’s Private Landlord Forum, which takes place every six months.

Prior to the existence of this Group, the Local Authority arranged speakers around subjects it felt that landlords should hear. Now landlords and agents are fully engaged in finding out what landlords really need to know. That is why your feedback at the Forum is so important to us.

The current Chair of the Private Landlord Forum Steering Group is Todd Miller of Smith and Sons, who would be happy to receive any suggestions regarding future speakers. If you have any comments or ideas, please contact Todd Miller c/o Landlord Accreditation Team, Regeneration Department, Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED or email lat@wirral.gov.uk.