Arun praises landlord'shigh standard

Alastair Smyth was presented with his accredited landlord certificate by Arun District Council senior member Cllr Robin Brown. Mr Smyth's property in Hook Lane has been assessed for matters such as its state of repair, electrical and gas safety, room sizes and fire safety.

The property will stay in the scheme for five years before Mr Smyth has to reapply.

He said he was delighted to receive the certificate.

'I think the scheme is a fantastic idea. Lifting the standards of rental properties is great for everyone. The tenants enjoy a far better level of comfort and safety and the landlords will get more respect for their properties. The current four students in the house are the proof. Whenever I have to visit them, the house is always clean and tidy,' he explained.

The accreditation scheme is run by Arun and Chichester councils, the University of Chichester and Chichester College. The aim is to ensure privately-let accommodation is good quality, safe and well managed.

Cllr Brown, who is in charge of Arun's housing and community care services, said it was hoped all the district's private landlords would become affiliated to the scheme. 'The scheme provides wider benefits too,' he added. 'It's in everyone's interest that housing is well managed and kept in a good condition.'