This content applies to Scotland only.

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Becoming an accredited landlord gives you a market advantage by showing that you operate to a higher standard than other landlords or letting agents, and that your standards exceed the minimum legal requirements.

What is Landlord Accreditation Scotland?

Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS) is a scheme run by landlords for landlords to promote best practice in the private rented sector in Scotland.

It is a partnership between the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) and the Scottish Government.

What are the aims of LAS? 

The LAS aims to:

• provide benefits for both landlords and tenants in the private rented sector
• promote best practice and continuous improvement of standards in the private rented sector
• provide tenancy advice to landlords and tenants
• give tenants reassurance that they can expect their landlord to operate high management standards.

What is accreditation?

Being awarded accredited status is a method of standing out from other landlords and letting agents and identifying yourself as operating to higher standards.

To become accredited landlords and letting agents must adhere to the 'Scottish Core Standards for Accredited Landlords' relating to the property management and physical condition of their properties. The standards can be downloaded from the LAS website: www.landlordaccreditationscotland.com.

Landlords who already carry out good management practices will find themselves well on the way to achieving these standards.

What are the benefits of being accredited?

Benefits include:

• nationally recognised marketing
• regular newsletter
• website and online information
• access to advice and guidance
• access to training
• landlord services including:
  • discounted legal, accountancy and insurance services
  • access to a network of trades electricians and gas engineers
  • discounts from national furniture, white goods providers.

How do I apply and what is involved?

Membership of LAS is free to individual landlords whilst there is a fee for lettings agents dependent on the number of properties managed.

Landlords must complete the self-certification 'Landlord Accreditation Checklist' to confirm that they are complying with the required standards. Surveys of tenants and property inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance with the standards.

To retain your accredited status you must commit to attend at least one training session per year, at a cost of £25 per delegate. Training sessions will take place throughout the year in a variety of locations. LAS is also developing training courses specifically for letting agents.

You can apply online at www.landlordaccreditationscotland.com or contact the office to obtain a paper form.