PAL – Partnership Accreditation for Landlords – is a free and voluntary landlord and property accreditation scheme that aims to improve the standard of privately rented accommodation in Welwyn Hatfield.
PAL recognises landlords and agents that meet the legal obligations associated with letting properties in the UK. Interested landlords and agents apply to the PAL team, complete an application process and sign up to a Code of Practice which commits them to meeting their legal requirements and treating tenants fairly. Landlords and agents then undergo relevant checks and those that meet all the scheme requirements then receive the appropriate accreditation – accredited landlord or accredited partner (for letting agents). Landlords that go above and beyond their legal requirements can become gold standard accredited landlords.
The scheme was founded by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and University of Hertfordshire who launched the scheme in 2012 to help students and other private rental tenants find good quality homes in our borough. By the end of 2014, we had accredited 54 landlords and four letting agents but were looking to expand the scheme further in 2015 to help even more tenants find quality homes in Welwyn Hatfield. We took steps to develop and improve the scheme following feedback from landlords, agents, tenants and supporters and re-launched the scheme with our new website in April 2015.
Watch our short video clip below to find out more about PAL.