PR266

For Immediate Release

17 October 2006

Private owners of property to let in the borough of Great Yarmouth are being urged to let the Council have their thoughts on a new accreditation scheme.

On October 5 a forum inviting landlords to discuss the HomeSearch scheme, which will recognise good practise and give accredited members access to discounted goods and services, was very well attended.

“We had an excellent turn out and people were really interested in our ideas," said Landlord Accreditation Officer Polly Williams. “We have many good landlords in the borough who deserve to be recognised as such.

“A logo has been designed that can be displayed by HomeSearch accredited landlords who agree to a code of conduct, and demonstrate that they offer good standards of accommodation which are well managed. Displaying the logo on adverts and correspondence will help tenants seeking accommodation find the best.”

Landlords who attended the forum were given a draft of the scheme and the Council needs feed-back by November 3 to enable it to put HomeSearch into operation.

Once the scheme is established, members will have a pack which will contain information such as how to draw up legal agreements with tenants, sample inventories and information on legislation. There will also be the opportunity to advertise on the Council’s Homeselect website used by people seeking homes.

The Council has put into place discounted goods and services, including insurance, and will give HomeSearch accredited landlords preferential access to repair grants and renewal schemes.

“It is not too late for landlords interested in the draft document to contact us for a copy and have their say,” added Polly.

To get a copy of HomeSearch call Landlord Accreditation Officer Polly Williams on 01493 846268 or email pw@great-yarmouth.gov.uk . The draft is also available here.

For further information call the Landlord Accreditation Officer Polly Williams on 01493 846268.

Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513