A new scheme to accredit local landlords was approved by the cabinet of the Conservative controlled Borough Council on Tuesday evening.
The idea was first raised at a meeting of the Borough Council/Edge Hill Forum and has been developed by the Council since then. Edge Hill Students' Union (with support from the University) will share the costs of running the scheme.
The proposal, which would see the council work with the Residential Landlords Association, has been welcomed by Conservative councillors in Ormskirk where a significant amount of housing is let to students.
Cllr Adrian Owens said: “Edge Hill Student Union has been supportive of piloting a landlord accreditation scheme and when I and my housing portfolio colleague met with Edge Hill management last week we were delighted that they too saw the benefits of working together on this matter. I've criticised the Univeristy in the past when I felt it was warranted, but their approach on this matter has been very positive indeed.”
Cllr Owens continued: “It’s important to recognise the scheme is a voluntary one – landlords are not compelled to participate. It will not be a magic wand, but if we can get good cooperation between the partners then we can start to deal with some of the issues faced by both tenants of the properties and their neighbours.”
Cllr Paul Greenall added: “Derby ward has areas of significant private renting, especially to students and so it’s worth trialling an accreditation scheme that may improve standards.”
Cllr David Sudworth concluded: “This will be a Borough wide initiative and any landlord can become involved, but in my own ward I hope that Edge Hill take the opportunity to get involved as it holds out an opportunity to improve housing standards for their students.”