Rochdale landlord celebrates a 500 milestone

Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee presenting Steven Mitchell with his certificate for becoming the 500th addition to the Landlord Accreditation Scheme.

A property owned by local landlord Steven Mitchell has become the 500th to be accepted into Rochdale Borough Council’s landlord accreditation scheme.

To celebrate, Mr Mitchell was presented with a special ‘giant’ certificate at the house in Hartley Lane, Rochdale, by the council’s cabinet member for housing Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee.

The Rochdale Landlord Accreditation Scheme was set up to promote good quality accommodation in the borough and help promote the private rented sector as a viable housing option.

It was launched in 2004 and has helped over 1000 landlords at a variety of training and information sharing events. The properties are accredited rather than landlords to ensure each property is inspected by the scheme and must meet a certain set of standards before being passed.

Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee, cabinet member for housing on Rochdale Borough Council, said: “To have 500 properties accredited is a superb achievement for both the scheme and the borough. With lengthy waiting lists for RBH property, the private rented sector can help meet this demand and with the Landlord Accreditation Scheme inspecting these, residents can have assurances that they are moving into properties that are well-managed.”

Paul Gordziejewicz from the council’s housing department added: “The private rented sector has always been a priority for us and has helped us deliver a variety of projects aimed at improving both quality and the availability of choice for residents. We are very proud of the Landlord Accreditation Scheme helping promote this and to reach 500 properties is an important part of the progress we have made with landlords in the sector”.

Landlord Steven Mitchell, who also received a year’s free membership to the National Landlords Association, said: “The benefits of accreditation encouraged me to sign-up. I’ve had a number of works completed through the scheme and I had no hesitation in putting my properties through. To have the five hundredth property accredited is a big surprise but I’m pleased for both the scheme and the fact my property was the lucky one!”