Sheffield Responsible Landlord Scheme
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Sheffield's Responsible Landlord Scheme (RLS) was launched in February 2003. Its aim is to support and encourage private landlords to improve standards in the private rented sector.
The scheme is based around the standards that are applied to both the physical condition of the property and also the standard of management. Many organisations were involved and consulted with during the development of the scheme, including both Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield and District Landlords Association (SADLA) and the Police and Fire Authorities.
The scheme has been very successful and since its launch, 465 landlords have become members, covering nearly 1400 properties.
Why should I apply?
The Responsible Landlord Scheme is a recognised quality standard, and membership of the scheme will enable landlords to have an advantage over those landlords whose properties are not registered and which may not comply with standards.
We recognise that landlords want to provide quality accommodation for their tenants. The Responsible Landlord Scheme is designed to give landlords the necessary information on physical and management requirements to enable them to let property at an acceptable standard.
We want to encourage landlords to improve their properties voluntarily, so that we can concentrate its enforcement activity on those landlords who persist with wilful bad management and who give the private rented sector a poor image.
How do I apply?
The application pack, plus the booklet describing the scheme, are available for downloading at the bottom of this page, or contact us directly. When applying to join the scheme, landlords "self-certificate" to state that their property meets the scheme's standards. In return they receive a membership certificate and other benefits which will enable them to have greater efficiency in letting and voluntarily increase the standards of their properties.
Benefits currently available to members of the scheme include:
- Easier letting by being a member of a citywide recognised scheme
- Members can advertise for free on the popular Sheffield Property Shop's Private Landlord List
- Access to a free Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement form
- A quarterly newsletter
- Access to the Sheffield Housing Market Bulletin
- Easier access to Sheffield universities' schemes
- Free access, via a voucher scheme, to the council refuse collection sites for registered properties
- An invitation to the Landlord Trade Fair and Landlord Forum events
- A clean and clear service at very good rates
- Member's telephone line for Local Housing Allowance case support
- A list of companies such as insurance brokers, solicitors and tradespeople, giving discounts to RLS landlords.
- A free course, the Landlords for Excellence programme at Sheffield Hallam University.
Further details on these benefits may be obtained by downloading the information sheet at the base of this page.
Landlord Forum
We hold regular Landlord Forum meetings which are free for all landlords with property in Sheffield to attend.
They are usually held at various times during the year at different venues around Sheffield.
We cover subjects such as the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS), tenancy deposit schemes, tax, local housing allowance, gas safety and dealing with damp and mould amongst others.
There is also the chance to meet and talk to other landlords at the meeting, to share experiences and ideas.
For more information on when the next event is, and an invitation, please contact us on (0114) 273 5134 or use the contact us details below.
Your tenant's deposit
From 6 April 2007, when a landlord or letting agent takes a deposit from a tenant, the deposit must now be protected in a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme.
This rule applies if the tenancy is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
For information on how the 3 schemes work please go to the Tenancy Deposit Protection website or telephone:
- The Tenancy Deposit Protection Service on 0870 707 1 707
- The Tenancy Deposit Scheme on 0845 226 7837
Energy Performance Certificates
From the 1 October 2008 most private rented properties have needed an Energy Performance Certificate for new tenancies.
For more information go to the energy performance certificate web site.
Free Insulation Scheme
Sheffield City Council are offering free loft and cavity wall insulation to all private home owners and anyone living in private rented accommodation living in the city (providing your house is suitable, and on a ward by ward basis). For more information please go to the Free Insulation web site.
Gas Safety
The ‘Gas Safe Register’ has now taken over from ‘Corgi’ from the 1 April 2009, to operate the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gas installer registration scheme.
For more information please telephone them on 0800 408 5500 or go to the Gas Safe Register website.
For more information on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide, and the importance of fitting a Carbon Monoxide alarm then go to the Direct.gov.uk website.
Electrical Safety
The Electrical Safety Council have put a Landlord's Guide together, as landlord obligations can often be a bit of a minefield, especially in the case of electrical installation/maintenance. The guide includes all legislation you need to be aware of, as well as some simple things you can do to make sure your properties are safe.
For more information please download the Landlords Guide to Electrical Safety (Pdf).
Housing Market Report
The Sheffield Housing Market Bulletin gives an overview of Sheffield’s housing market during the last quarter, highlighting any major changes and how these relate to national trends.
Contact us
If you want help or more information on the Responsible Landlord Scheme, contact our Supporting Landlords Team on 0114 273 5134 or 0114 273 4680.
Alternatively you can e-mail us at: rls@sheffield.gov.uk.
Downloads
Download this document if you would like an application form to join the scheme. (654 KB)
Results of the satisfaction survey of Responsible Landlord Scheme members done in the summer of 2008. (26 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 23 of the Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (494 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 22 (autumn 2009) Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (459 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 21 (summer 2009) Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (525 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 20 (spring 2009) Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (371 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 19 (winter 2008/09) Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (445 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 18 (Autumn 2008) Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (430 KB)
Download this document for a copy of Issue 17 (Summer 2008) Responsible Landlord Scheme Newsletter. (1.25 MB)