Ombudsman promotes accredited landlord scheme

The Property Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer, has announced his support for an accredited landlord's scheme in Sunderland. 

Sunderland City Council's Accredited Landlord’s Scheme is a new partnership launched to improve and maintain standards of accommodation in the Private Rented Sector. 

“These types of schemes are vital in helping to raise standards and improving industry best practice, informing landlords and agents of the legal developments affecting their businesses and emphasising the importance of dealing with consumer dissatisfaction in a structured way,” says Hamer.

“The Sunderland Accredited Landlord’s scheme has been very welcomed in the area and many cities are now looking to promote such schemes.”

He says that educating landlords through schemes like this will help maintain consistent standards, while allowing agents to improve their working relationships with landlords.

Deputy Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson said: "I'm delighted that Mr Hamer asked to join us at the event to learn more about the voluntary Sunderland Accredited Landlord scheme, which is successfully helping us work in partnership with landlords to raise the standard of accommodation within the private rented sector.“

“There are a large number of people living in rented accommodation in this part of the city, and we want to work with both tenants and landlords to help make sure that expected standards of housing maintenance and property management are being achieved. The Accreditation Scheme was introduced after talking to landlords to identify their concerns, and then deciding how we can best work together to address them through providing the practical advice and support necessary.”

Christopher Hamer will be leaving his post as Property Ombudsman in November after nine years in the role.