Landlord Accreditation Scheme

• To raise the standard of private rented housing and management in West Lothian's private rented sector.

• Help landlords to understand their responsibilities and enable them to provide a higher level of service.

• Enhance the reputation of landlords committed to improving the quality of management and accommodation, this could provide a marketing advantage.

• To encourage tenants to seek out accredited landlords to rent from.

• To encourage landlords with below standard properties to improve them to the accreditation standard.

Accredited landlords must keep to a voluntary Code of Standards relating to the tenancy management and physical condition of their property.

The aim of these standards are to assist landlords by providing guidelines for good practice and to promote awareness of landlord and tenants' obligations. 

The standards reflect a combination of current legislation, good practice and common sense. Property and tenant inspections will be carried out by West Lothian Councils Landlord Registration Team to ensure these standards are being maintained.

• The status of being publicly identified as an accredited private landlord which could provide a marketing advantage.

• To receive recognition for meeting the legal requirements and providing excellent service.

• To be able to advertise the accredited status to tenants who place emphasis on good quality and well managed accommodation. This could lead to a higher standard of tenants.

• The ability to advertise empty properties through the Council run website.

• Priority access to training and seminars run by Landlord Accreditation Scotland.

• Distancing yourselves from incompetent or unscrupulous landlords.

It is also possible that accredited status will provide landlords with the following benefits:

• A lower turnover of tenants, producing savings on re-letting and reducing loss of income from voids.

• A decrease in abuse of properties.

• An advantage over other providers in attracting new and better tenants.

• A better image with potential lenders.

• Improved contact and advice from the Council.

• Confidence that your landlord is professional and reputable.

• Assurance that the Accreditation Scheme Code of Standards will be followed.

• Information regarding rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

• Provision of a Tenancy Handbook.

Membership of West Lothian Landlord Accreditation Scheme is free and all members are entitled to the following:

WLLAS Logo -Members are entitled to use the WLLAS Logo on adverts, letterheads, their website etc. to display their accredited status.

Tenancy Handbook -A guide for landlords and tenants, outlining their rights and responsibilities. The handbook also details information on tenancy agreements, deposits, harassment and how to end a tenancy.

Landlord Forums -Training/information forums on a variety of relevant subjects including Antisocial Behaviour, Housing Benefits, Landlord Registration, HMO Licensing, New Legislation, Tenancy Agreements and Evictions.

Advertisement Website -Access to an additional advertisement website managed by West Lothian Council for accredited landlords.

Tenancy Management and Repair of Private Sector Properties -The Landlord Registration Team can provide advice to owners, landlords and private tenants to enable them to manage a range of housing related matters.