RUNNYMEDE ACCREDITATION SCHEME

The Runnymede Accreditation Scheme is run by Runnymede Borough Council with the support of Royal Holloway, University of London. It is also supported by Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Services.

The scheme is designed to recognise and promote good quality, well managed private sector accommodation let to students in the Borough. Landlords are invited to apply for Accreditation of individual properties through compliance with the 20 Accreditation 'Standards'. The Standards require that the physical conditions of dwellings are fair and reasonable, and not liable to be prejudicial to the health, safety and welfare of the tenants or the surrounding neighbourhood. The standards also require the tenancy to be well managed. The standards should not be onerous to achieve as many reflect the minimum legal requirements.

The scheme encourages responsible behaviour by tenants through a 'Tenant Code of Practice'. This code of practice provides guidance to tenants on how to conduct themselves in the property in order to help landlords maintain the property and help them participate in the community in a positive way.

The scheme comprises of an element of self-regulation and accordingly relies on a degree of goodwill and trust on the parts of the landlords, tenants and the Council.

As well as complying with the standards of the scheme, Landlords still retain the responsibility for complying with any other legal requirements relating to the property and its management.

Please follow the links for more information on the Runnymede Accreditation Scheme. For further information or advice on becoming accredited please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01932 425886.

We hope that you take advantage of this initiative and take delight in being recognised as a provider of safe, high quality private rented properties let to students in the Borough.