Handbook (.pdf)

Introduction
“The Scheme” is an Accreditation Scheme specifically aimed at student property landlords in Hull. The Hull scheme has been created by a working partnership of both Universities of Hull and Lincoln, their respective Student Unions, Hull City Council and the interest of Landlords, represented by Hull and District Landlords
Association. It is intended for this independent scheme to evolve over time to meet the needs of both Landlords and University Students alike, with a common view to promoting the City of Hull and achieving its aims.


How does the Scheme work?

The Scheme will operate in accordance with the standards set out in this handbook. It is be managed on a day-to-day basis by an administrator with an office located on the campus at the University of Hull.

The Scheme will be based on self-certification by landlords, supported by a system of compliance checks on certification, gas, fire and electrical installations, with property inspections and sight of landlord inspections that will be carried out not less than once each year. Participating landlords will keep a property inspection check-list on a property file for each house on the Scheme, together with certificates, details of works carried out and any complaints received. Where possible this will be kept on a computer for easy transmission to the Scheme's Administrator.

The Scheme is overseen by The Scheme Executive Committee. This comprises of a maximum of two representatives from each associate. The Executives meet at least four times per year to discuss the running of The Scheme, future developments and make decision. As an executive they look at complaints regarding any Scheme accredited landlord deemed to be in breach of the conditions of membership.

The Scheme will function and advertise through its own web-site. www.the-scheme.com

Why should I join?

PROTECT YOUR FUTURE - The future of higher education in Hull depends on its ability to attract large numbers of students from the UK and around the world to come here to study. Student accommodation is a very important factor. The Scheme aims to provide students with a positive and safe experience of housing in the Hull area, thus promoting and protecting the long term future. It is in everyone's interest to be part of the scheme.

BE RECOGNISED FOR YOUR STANDARDS - The Hull student market has been very competitive for a number of years and we have all had to improve our standards. Now you can benefit and capitalise from your investment and commitment by forging links with the Universities, their respective Student Unions, Hull and District Landlord's Association and Hull City Council by joining the scheme.

BENEFIT FROM GOOD STANDARDS OF HOUSING MANAGEMENT PRACTICE - The code of practice adopted by the scheme has been chosen to reflect a balance of common sense obligations and responsibilities between owners and tenants and to set standards that are achievable without significant expenditure of time and money. The scheme only reflects current legislation and best practice which most of you currently meet, so benefit and obtain advantage from your achievements.

REDUCE MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND DISPUTES - by setting standards to be followed by both landlords and tenants ( see Tenant's Code of Conduct - CHAPTER 1 ).

PROMPTLY RESOLVE DISPUTES - have access to the scheme administrator as an understanding arbitrator and take advantage of the support on offer.

OTHER BENEFITS - Recognition as a member of the scheme will increase your market awareness giving increased viewings and fewer voids.

Below are listed the main benefits facilitated by Hull City Council. Further details about these benefits and how to obtain them are available from the Private Housing Environmental Health Team on 300300.

1. Substantial reductions on licence fees, e.g.

2. 10% discount on fees to Hull City Council for pest control and drain clearing

3. Waste disposal benefits

   a. 1 free visit per property per year across the weighbridge at Wilmington waste reclamation site provided a waste carriers licence is held. The cost of the licence is more or less equivalent to the charge for tipping one load and it last for 3 years.

   b. Free second hand replacement wheelie bins if bins stolen, badly damaged etc. whilst stocks last. New bins cost £28.

   c. Free blue bins and black boxes where lost or stolen etc. These are free to all.

   d. Unlimited tipping at Burma Drive and two new waste reclamation sites at Wiltshire Road and Sutton Fields when they open early 2007. Waste must be sorted for recycling. Most waste can be taken but excluded are carpets, beds and three piece suites. Electrical goods including refrigerators and all wood products, including MDF and chipboard, textiles, glass, metal, plastic bottles etc can be taken.
Landlords must get students to phone for bulky items to be collected two weeks prior to vacating as waste management will not collect from void properties.

4. Partnership working with Hull City Council in providing accommodation for homeless persons and consideration of managing properties on behalf of the Council which have been subject to management orders.

5. Opportunities for obtaining empty properties which have been compulsory purchased by Hull City Council and notification of owners wishing to sell empty properties on condition they are refurbished to the decent homes standard.

6. Hull City Council will host three Landlord forums per year.
Hull City Council will facilitate training for landlords to cover a range of issues such as: Landlord and Tenant Act; Anti social behaviour; Property Management; Housing Health and Safety Rating System; Inspecting your Property; etc.

7. 50% grants towards the provision of central heating and insulation measures provided by Hull City Council.

8. The Hull Anti Social Behaviour Team and the Student Accreditation Scheme will support each other and work together to achieve the aim of tackling anti social behaviour in Hull.

9. An informal approach to enforcement by Hull City Council. Complaints will be referred initially to The Scheme Administrator.

The universities will direct all students whom they cannot accommodate themselves to landlords who are members of the Scheme. This is on the basis that they can be certain that the standards of the properties and
management meet the requirements forming part of the Scheme. The Scheme underpins the universities’ guarantee to provide students with good quality accommodation and is part of their national and international
marketing strategy.

It is not in their interests to direct students to landlords or properties where the standards are not guaranteed through membership of the Scheme.

LEGISLATION - The Scheme administrator will update landlords with any relevant legislation as it is received from the local authority.

What will it cost?
The annual cost of membership will be £35 inclusive of VAT per house or flat registered as being on the Scheme. This includes advertising on the web-site. It is a condition of the Scheme that all student properties are registered as part of the landlord’s membership of the Scheme. The Scheme operates on a non-profit
making basis.

What do I have to do?
You will have to meet the Hull Student Accommodation Accreditation Scheme Code of Management ( detailed herein as CHAPTER 2 ) and Hull Student Accommodation Accreditation Scheme Code of Standards ( detailed herein as CHAPTER 3 ).