For details on how to apply and for information on Accreditation and the Derby Accredited Property Scheme, please use the following links to information on this page:
Accreditation
Landlord and Property Accreditation Schemes have been developing across the UK in the last 10 years as a way of recognising good landlords and encouraging the raising of standards in the private rented sector, benefiting not only the landlords and tenants, but also ultimately local authorities and communities.
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The Derby Accredited Property Scheme
Derby City Council has set up an Accreditation Scheme for all private rented property, which incorporates the Derby Student Accommodation Accreditation Scheme, and is designed to encourage better management and standards within let property. The scheme enables Landlords to demonstrate that their property is safe and well maintained.
The Derby Accredited Property Scheme is voluntary and free to join for your first two years. On application the properties being put forward for Accreditation will undergo an inspection to ensure that they comply with the standards set out by the scheme. Landlords will commit to good management practices and standards, and will also sign a declaration of a Fit and Proper Assessment which may be verified by the Council.
Landlords and their properties will need to achieve Accredited Status. Scheme benefits and incentives can then be accessed to work towards achieving the Accredited Plus+ Status - if their property does not already meet the criteria for this.
Accredited Plus+ standards are over and above those required at Accredited level and aim to provide further improvements which benefit the tenant and increase the appeal of the property.
Please see more details for Student Properties, Managing Agents and Membership Benefits.
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Consultation
We have consulted with Landlords to find out what would motivate them to join the Scheme, and have finalised the standards which properties will need to meet in order to become accredited.
Scheme Launch
Applications are now invited and the Scheme will be formally launched in November 2008.
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How to apply
Landlords! Sign up to the Derby Accredited Property Scheme – it’s free to join!
1. Please use this link to download the Scheme Document 
1.9Mb, which includes the standards. Read through it and ensure your property meets the property requirements of at least Accredited Status.
2. Please use this link to download the Scheme Application Form 230kb, or phone us on 01332 256414 and we will post one to you. Then fill it out and return it to us. If you have more than one property, for the second and subsequent properties you only need to fill in the Supplementary Property Sheet 88kb.
3. We will carry out a free advisory property inspection and agree the level of Accreditation. You will then be eligible for the Scheme Membership benefits.
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Managing Agents
Managing agents are also invited to join the Derby Accredited Property Scheme to act as a representative for their clients’ property, agreeing to operate within the Scheme’s Code of Standards.
Where a landlord uses a Managing Agent, but wishes to join the Accreditation Scheme, they can apply as an individual member but must give the Agent’s details, along with the usual associated paperwork.
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Membership Benefits
Accreditation offers landlords a clear set of standards to meet in order to gain recognition for the standard of accommodation that they offer. Once accredited, landlords will be giving themselves a market advantage by distancing themselves from bad practices / unscrupulous landlords. They will also be able to access the benefits listed in our Scheme Benefits Leaflet.
Please use this link to download the Scheme Benefits Leaflet 101kb.
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Fire Safety
The LACoRS National Fire Safety Guidance has just been released. It can be downloaded for free. Download a copy of the LACORS Housing - Fire Safety Guidance 
pdf 1.9Mb.
Alternatively you can order a hard copy from www.lacors.gov.uk 
where you will also find a press release and other information around the development and application of it.
The guidance will apply nationally and covers certain existing residential accommodation including single family dwellings, shared houses, bedsits and flats. It is not aimed at new housing built to modern Building Regulations.
The Derby Accredited Property Scheme refers to this guidance within the Scheme Standards Document.
Please note: for landlords wanting to accredit their properties to Accredited level, we may be able to offer financial help for fire safety works.
This National Fire Safety Guidance has replaced the DASH (Decent And Safe Homes East Midlands) Fire Safety Guidance.
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Student Properties
Landlords wishing to promote their property on the Derby University Student Accommodation Register must first achieve Accredited status - an application must then be made to Derby University who may make a further inspection prior to agreeing to promote the property.
Please contact the Private Sector Accommodation office at Derby University on 01332 591302 for further details.
For more information on Private Student Accommodation and Halls of Residence Accommodation for the University of Derby Campuses in Derby and Buxton visit the Accommodation web pages.
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Contacting us
For more information on the Derby Accredited Property Scheme or on our services, or to contact us please contact us using the details below.
The Accreditation Office,
Housing and Advice Services,
PO Box 6323,
Derby,
DE1 2WW
Telephone: 01332 256 414
Minicom: 01332 255 316
Email: Property Accreditation
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