You can apply to join the Rentsmart Landlord Accreditation Scheme by completing the application form. In order to be accepted, you must agree to work to a code of management and meet certain housing standards. These standards are related to single-let properties. If you have a house in multiple occupation (HMO), you will need to refer to the Council’s amenity standards for HMOs. This gives reassurance to your current and prospective tenants that you are a responsible landlord. Barnsley Standards include:
Property
• The property must be structurally stable and free from disrepair.
• There must be no hazards identified from a HHSRS inspection.
• If the property is furnished, all furnishings must be clean and comply with Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations.
• The property must be clean and decorated to a good standard, and the garden areas must be maintained.
• There must be adequate waste disposal facilities.
• All the appliances must be in working order with instructions provided.
• A legionella risk assessment must be completed.
• The external areas (gardens, yards, driveways) of the property must be maintained and in a good condition.
Gas Safety
• All gas installations must comply with current regulations and be checked annually.
• A copy of the Gas Safety Certificate must be provided to the tenant.
Electrical Safety
• All electrical installations must comply with current regulations and be checked in accordance with the certificate.
• A copy of the Electrical Safety Certificate must be provided to the tenant.
• The property must have a minimum number of electrical socket outlets as described below.
• Hall, stairs & landing: 1 single (subject to size and practicability)
• Living room: 3 double
• Kitchen: 3 double above worktop, plus 1 dedicated for fridge/fridge/freezer, 1 dedicated for washing machine (where applicable) & 1 dedicated for cooker (where applicable)
• Bedrooms: 2 double (single) & 3 double (double)
Heating
• The whole house must be capable of being heated to between 18oC & 22oC.
• The tenants must be able to control the heating.
Energy Efficiency
• The property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of A-E.
Kitchen Facilities
• The property must have:
• A sink, drainer and cleanable splash back
• A cooker isolation point
• Worktops of at least 100cm x 50cm
• Dry food storage cupboards
• Space for a fridge freezer and washing machine
• Working mechanical ventilation
Bathroom Facilities
• The property must have:
• An internal WC for the exclusive use of tenants
• A fixed bath or shower and wash basin with hot and cold water and splash back
• An effective drainage system for foul, waste and surface water
• Dry food storage cupboards
• Space for a fridge freezer and washing machine
• Working mechanical ventilation
Doors & Windows
• The external doors must be watertight and fitted with a 5-lever lock or equivalent.
• Windows lower than 80cm from floor level must be fitted with safety glass.
Lighting
• Each room must have at least 1 permanent light fitting.
• The property must have a working external security light.
Ventilation
• The property must have adequate ventilation to all rooms, either through openable windows, trickle vents, permanent wall vents,s or mechanical ventilation.
• The property must have working mechanical ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.
Fire Protection
• The property must have mains-wired interlinked smoke detectors with at least 1 smoke detector per storey.
Carbon Monoxide Protection
• If the property has a solid fuel appliance, a carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in each room where a solid fuel appliance is located.
• The property must have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted where the gas boiler is located.
Stairs & Handrails
• The property must have handrails fitted to all internal & external staircases, including the cellar.