Landlord Accreditation: how does it work?

The BLA landlord accreditation scheme was created to promote the recognition of landlords who demonstrate a professional standard of management skills and knowledge of the residential rental sector.

The landlord accreditation of a BLA member certifies the credibility and competency of our members.

The scheme is not mandatory when applying for membership with the BLA, as it is voluntary.

To kick into action the accreditation process, you visit our course website. The cost is £49.95; click this link to visit our course page.

Accredited landlords can extend peace of mind to tenants and the local council. A tenant should have confidence in an accredited prospective landlord to deal with the rental efficiently.

By enrolling in a landlord accreditation scheme, earning your certificate will prove you follow a code of practice and respect the safety and needs of the tenant.

Being accredited is not a legal requirement at the moment in England. However, in Wales, it is a requirement. Being an accredited landlord or a letting agent indicates to prospective renters that the tenancy will likely be managed professionally.

Various accreditation schemes carry their own set of requirements. Charities like Shelter are pressing the government to introduce stricter rules on these to improve the quality of rented accommodation.

The rent repayment orders (RRO) mean landlords need to ensure they raise standards and provide properties that fit their purpose. Letting a family, students or bedsits in an HMO reduce the risk of RRO property conditions must be fully compliant with the current legislation. 

Members can enrol to take our online training courses for their professional development. Membership with the British Landlords Association also provides the benefit of free online training courses to aid professional development.

More info on landlord accreditation and getting a certificate?

You must take our foundation or the HMO training course to obtain Accreditation. Upon completing and passing the e-learning course, you will become an accredited BLA landlord and receive a certificate.

As an accredited landlord and a member of the British Landlords Association, you must abide by our Code of Practice and our Code of Conduct.

How do I keep my development up to date?

  • Attend landlord training events, including those hosted by the British landlord associations and or by a local authority
  • Complete any of the BLA free or paid e-learning training courses
  • Read the British Landlord Association online daily newspaper, which counts as 1-hour development.
  • You are expected to know the tenant’s health and safety aspects of the legislation.
  • How to market properties for letting and tenancy application from
  • knowledge of letting agencies and students  
  • You are expected to understand rental agreements, including all compliance requirements for renting to a tenant.

The scheme aims to raise standards and provide your tenants quality accommodation and safe homes.

Why should I become an accredited landlord?

The benefits of Accreditation are numerous. The BLA believe Accreditation is the best way for landlords to demonstrate they are aware of their legal responsibilities for the residential rental sector. An accredited landlord may, on some products, receive discounts. Some councils may offer discount accredited landlords too.

When did these schemes start?

They were developed in the mid-1990s. In 2008, LACORS surveyed the Landlord Accreditation schemes to determine the nature, scope, and benefits of England’s various landlord accreditation schemes.

The survey revealed that 40% of councils operated accreditation schemes in 2008, and others were set to do so.

A wide range of national stakeholders uses Landlord Accreditation schemes. This includes the government, landlord associations and local authorities,

How much does it cost to get accredited?

Membership with the British Landlords Association is only £69.95 a year. The course is an online e-learning course, which will take about 1 hour to complete.

You can take your time and do it at your leisure. Upon completing the course, you will be issued a certificate. The course cost usually is £60, but this has been reduced to £49.95.

Other benefits:

  • Be part of an association that landlords, tenants, and councils can recognise
  • Promote your service as a professional landlord to other landlords, councils, and tenants
  • Use of the BLA logo to show you are an accredited BLA landlord
  • Display your accredited status to your tenants, council, and other investors
  • Appear on our online member register as a BLA Accredited landlord

To take any of our courses, why not visit our course page – View Landlord Courses.

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