About Rent with Confidence
The Wolverhampton RwC is a voluntary scheme and has been set up to raise standards across the private rented sector (PRS). The scheme rewards those landlords/letting agents who provide good housing management and property standards by giving them a market advantage over non-accredited landlords.
The Wolverhampton RwC Accreditation Scheme is a partnership between Wolverhampton Council, Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme, Private Landlords and Managing agents. These partners are committed to working together to ensure consistency of standards and practices throughout Wolverhampton.
This link and associated information provide you with direction and guidance to find detailed information on various topics in a format that we hope is easy to refer back to as and when queries arise. The information is consistent with current legislation and as agreed with landlords and other stakeholders involved in the development of the scheme, does not set property standards over and above statutory requirements.
Aims of the scheme are to:
- commit to partnership working to improve the PRS in Wolverhampton.
- Support Landlords to become accredited and recognised in providing a good property standard & management service in the PRS.
- encourage, acknowledge, raise awareness of and actively promote good standards and management practices in the PRS, and to assist landlords and tenants to undertake their respective responsibilities to each other.
- support landlords to increase the supply of good quality accommodation in the area, while reducing the number of empty, unused properties within the City.
- provide opportunities for partnership working, training, business development and networking.
- increase the percentage of decent homes in the City.
- enable tenants to obtain information about, and access to, better quality accommodation.
- commit to partnership working.
- encourage, acknowledge, raise awareness of and actively promote good standards and management practices in the PRS, and to assist landlords and tenants to undertake their respective responsibilities to each other.
- support landlords to increase the supply of good quality accommodation in the area, while reducing the number of empty, unused properties within the Borough.
- provide opportunities for partnership working, training, business development and networking.
- increase the percentage of decent homes in the City.
- enable tenants to obtain information about, and access to, better quality accommodation.
Landlords who are welcomed onto the scheme are expected to commit to these Terms of Reference so please read through the information and keep this document for reference or contact the Rent with Confidence Lead Officer with any queries.
It’s a voluntary set of practical and realistic standards and requirements that sets out clearly what landlords need to do when renting a property, these are highlighted in the Wolves RwC Accreditation scheme. It is a bespoke scheme aimed & tailored for the PRS in Wolverhampton as it concentrates on the management standards and knowledge base of the landlord rather than just property standards.
Through professional development that enables landlords to recognise deficiencies in property or management standards, in much the same way as a local authority representative would, we believe that landlords will be able to ensure that their properties comply with all relevant laws and guidelines, and they will be able to avoid the pitfalls that a lack of clear information can bring. To concentrate solely on the property itself would not achieve these goals in the long term.
Rent with Confidence is a voluntary scheme that aims to protect tenants by setting out a benchmark for landlords and letting agents in the private rented sector.
Benefits for landlords
Wolverhampton RwC Accreditation Scheme will offer a number of benefits for participating landlords including recognition as a good landlord therefore providing a market advantage when letting properties, discounted training events, promotional material and advice and support on private rented sector issues through email updates and regular newsletters. As the Scheme grows, we will strive to keep increasing the number and type of benefits available to accredited landlords.
Joining the Wolverhampton Landlord Accreditation Scheme
The scheme is voluntary and there is no joining fee. However, there are wider benefits for Accredited Landlords. To become an Accredited Landlord / Agent, there is a criteria you have to fulfil and meet.
To enquire about the RwC scheme and accreditation or just to have a chat, contact:
Shabir Hussain
Lead officer – Rent with Confidence Scheme
Tel: 07773 193566
Email: shabir.hussain2@wolverhampton.gov.uk
To join or apply for Wolverhampton RwC accreditation Scheme membership please complete the online form.
On receipt of a completed application, the Council will undertake a checking procedure in order to be satisfied that the landlord is responsible, competent and suitable to be a member of the Wolverhampton RwC Scheme.
This checking procedure will include inspection of properties as well as certain paperwork however the scheme will rely on an element of self-certification through a signed declaration by the landlord to abide by the principles of the scheme.
Following successful checking, Landlords will be awarded Accreditation status and sent a Membership pack. Training will have to be completed within 12 months of membership.
Further information
If you want to find out more about landlord accreditation visit the Anuk UK website.