Renters across North Lincolnshire are to be protected further with the launch of a new “scores on the doors” style accreditation scheme for landlords.
The Decent and Safe Homes (Dash) scheme, launched by North Lincolnshire Council, represents quality and shows a landlord is serious about setting, achieving, and maintaining high standards.
Participating landlords will be subject to vetting processes and property inspections before achieving the “North Lincolnshire Standard”.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The majority of landlords do not let their standards fall and they will be recognised for that. This new accreditation will become a standard which gives confidence to tenants and landlords.
“Just as the food hygiene ratings give customers confidence in buying from restaurants and takeaways, this will operate in much the same way for their homes. This accreditation puts tenants in control and enables them to only rent from good landlords hopefully putting bad landlords out of business.
“We know too there is a small minority who flout the law, operating illegally and with a complete disregard to housing standards. This will not be tolerated.”
Landlords joining the DASH accreditation scheme will be able to display the approval, giving confidence to authorities and renters, together with receiving discounts towards future licence applications.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for stronger communities – Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe, said: “We have been working closely with landlords in relation to the scheme and the initial feedback from them has been very encouraging.
“The scheme enables us to support good landlords, address minor issues and ensures that where we need to act to protect tenants against criminal landlords, we can.
“I am confident this will drive standards up across the area and will enable more people from across North Lincolnshire to stay safe and well.”
Further details be available on the council’s website ahead of the launch in April.
