The scheme has been developed with landlords and it is a working arrangement between responsible well intentioned landlords and the Council.

The aim of the scheme is to improve the quality of properties and the management standards of the private sector in Wakefield. This will be achieved by encouragement, support and incentives. We will be actively working with, and publicly recognising, those landlords who are willing to attain and adhere to good property standards.

Intentions of the scheme

The objective of the scheme is to have responsible landlords renting approved properties. To achieve this the scheme will:

• Improve and promote private sector housing
• Provide tenants with confidence in the quality and management of properties
• Recognise and encourage landlords who provide good quality accommodation
• Improve working relations between landlords and Wakefield Council
• Promote good practices in the private sector

Advantages of the scheme for Landlords

• Market advantage when letting properties
• The Council will recommend that tenants seek out WRLS members to rent from
• The scheme is advertised and promoted by the Council
• A dedicated contact point in the Council's housing benefit team
• Access to tenant support services
• Priority access to the Council's anti-social behaviour team
• Advice on landlord/tenant law
• Training sessions on current topical issues
• The opportunity to work with the Council providing accommodation
• Specialist professional advice from the Council's Private Sector Team on housing standards
• Scheme members newsletter
• Discounts on various goods and services from local businesses
• An opportunity to influence the Council's Private Rented Sector housing policies
• A liaison officer who can help landlords to deal with other departments of the Council

Advantages of the scheme for tenants

• Helps to identify good landlords
• Confidence regarding property standards. All properties are inspected
• Defined management practices and standards
• A liaison officer should there be any problems
• A complaints procedure, should disputes remain unresolved

For more information

See 'Downloads' for the latest list of 'Responsible Landlords'. This list will be regularly updated.

To find out how to join the scheme, an application form and the standards expected please see the Wakefield Responsible Landlords booklet under 'Downloads' or contact Public Sector Housing (see 'Also in')