The Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS) is a scheme to recognise and promote good landlords who provide their tenants with high quality, safe accommodation.
Any individual, agent, partnership or limited company can apply to become accredited, but they must attend a one day development course, agree to follow a code of conduct and certify that they are a ‘fit and proper person' (there are some additional requirements for agencies etc. - please click here to download them).
(The code of conduct requires Landlords to comply with the law and carry out urgent works promptly. If additional work is needed the landlord must draw up a plan of action based on the National Federation of Residential Landlords' Code. A ‘fit and proper person' is someone who has not committed any offences or had action taken against them as detailed in the Housing Act 2004. Convictions for harassment, discrimination, and certain legal orders may disqualify an applicant. The full documents can both be found at the end of our application form.)
There is no fee for accreditation, but there is a charge for the one-day development course (currently £100 including lunch and refreshments). The vast majority of people who attend this course find it extremely informative and worthwhile (for more details, see "Courses"). It is a key part of the accreditation scheme as our emphasis is on education rather than inspection.
Currently accreditation is voluntary, but it is likely that in the near future compulsory registration and enforced standards for all landlords will come into place. Therefore it is beneficial for landlords to equip themselves with crucial information, ensure their properties meet a certain standard, and engage in joint working with key agencies at this early stage, through the Accreditation Scheme.
If you want any more information, or to book onto a course, please get in touch.
Please note, that the Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme is not a licensing scheme. If you rent a property that has three or more floors and has five or more people living in it in more than one household who share amenities such as bathrooms/cooking facilities, you may well need a licence. Contact your local Council to discuss this, or you can download a guide to licensing by clicking here. There are heavy penalties for letting an unlicensed property.
