News

Landlords invited to sign up for accommodation accreditation scheme

(20 October 2004)

Private landlords in the Stockton area are being invited to learn more about a new accreditation scheme which is being introduced next year to promote improved safety standards in student accommodation.

A meeting is being held at the University of Durham’s Queen’s Campus in Stockton tomorrow (Thursday 21st October) when University accommodation officers will outline changes being introduced in the letting arrangements for private landlords.

More private properties are now available in the Stockton area for students and many landlords have improved safety standards of their properties in response to the introduction of a three-star grading system promoted by the University.

For 2005/2006 the University is introducing a voluntary accreditation scheme for all landlords who wish to advertise through the Colleges office.

There will no major changes for most landlords already advertising through the Colleges office, in terms of alterations to properties, as the grading system addressed many of the important issues regarding safety in student houses. These include gas safety, smoke alarms, fire precautions, electrical inspections and security.

Representatives of Stockton Council, police, fire brigade and Students’ Union have also been invited to the (21st October) meeting which starts at 6.00 p.m. in Room A12/13 in the Holliday Building, Queen’s Campus, Stockton.

ends

Notes to Editors

What is an Accreditation Scheme?
There are over 150 voluntary accreditation schemes for student accommodation in operation within educational institutions today, with a mixture of involvement from local authorities, universities, students’ unions and voluntary sector organisations. All schemes work in partnership with private landlords to set benchmark standards for both physical and management standards in the private rented sector.

What will the aims of an Accreditation Scheme be at Queen’s Campus?
The aims of an accreditation scheme will develop and change over time. The general aims of the scheme will be to:-

• set voluntary benchmark standards for the physical and management standards of private sector student accommodation in liaison with all major stakeholders
• monitor standards and practices within the accreditation scheme
• raise awareness of the accreditation scheme amongst the student community
• provide a forum for improved communication between the major stakeholders involved in student accommodation

How will an Accreditation Scheme work in Stockton / Thornaby?
There will be no major changes for most landlords already advertising through the Colleges Office, in terms of alterations to properties, as the introduction of the 3 star grading system 2 years ago addressed many of the important issues regarding safety in student houses.

However, if students take accommodation which has not been advertised by the Colleges Office, they are unlikely to check on gas / electrical certificates etc. and the properties may not comply with our star grading standards.

The Colleges Office, with the support of the Colleges JCRs, intends to introduce measures this year to increase the number of students looking for accommodation through the Colleges Office. This will include:-

• Bringing forward the date for advertising properties from the end of February to 21st January 2005, a few days after the start of the second term
• Encouraging students to use the Colleges Office adverts as their first source of information and improve the effectiveness of the adverts
• Improving the private sector web site for advertising properties. Encouraging landlords to provide photographs to be displayed on the site.
• Actively enforcing the University policy which bans advertising accommodation on University premises, in poster form and electronically.

What standards will be set?
It is proposed that the current 3 star standards will be replaced with a 2 level system as follows:

SILVER

• Gas Safety Certificate
• Mains linked smoke detector
• Fire Blanket in the kitchen
• NICEIC electrical periodic inspection report
• A minimum of 4 electrical sockets in each bedroom (2 double sockets)
• Burglar Alarm
• Security light in yard

GOLD In addition to the Silver requirements:-

• 5 lever mortice lock
• Window locks on ground floor and accessible first floor windows
• Microwave
• Washing machine
• Half hour fire resistant door with self-closer to the kitchen
.

Properties which do not comply with at least the Silver standards will not be accepted onto the Accreditation Scheme and will therefore not be advertised.

When will the work have to be completed?
All work will need to be completed before your property is advertised (on 21st January 2005), with the exception of the microwave and washing machine. These should be provided before the tenants move in to the property (in October 2005).

How will standards be monitored?
During 2004/05 (starting in October 2004), our aim will be to inspect up to a third of properties currently advertised by the Colleges Office in order to ensure that they comply with their star rating.

What is the purpose of a visit to a property and how will they be arranged?
Properties will be selected randomly and visits will be arranged directly with the students living in the property.

What are the advantages of the scheme to the landlord?

• Opportunity to advertise properties on an equal basis with other landlords
• Effective advertising service for students and landlords
• Date of advertising brought forward to fit in with student and landlord demand
• Improved communication, information and consultation regarding developments and changes affecting student housing

What are the advantages of the scheme to the students?

• Reduced risk of students taking accommodation with poor safety standards
• ‘One-stop shop’ for students looking for accommodation
• Advice and support from the Colleges Office if a property advertised by the Colleges Office does not have the advertised facilities

For further information contact :
Margaret Kuby (Accommodation Officer)
Tel. 0191 33 40035, email m.j.kuby@durham.ac.uk.

Mandy Wright (Assistant Accommodation Officer)
Tel. 0191 33 40035, email Amanda.Wright@durham.ac.uk.