Diane Kendrick, accreditation scheme project officer, Nica de Koensigwarter, former students' union president, Grant Shapps MP, professor Quintin McKellar and cllr Roger Trigg

A NEW agreement to improve the state of privately rented accommodation in Welwyn Hatfield has been launched – the first of its kind in Hertfordshire.

The long-awaited Landlord Accreditation Scheme – a joint initiative between the University of Hertfordshire and Welwyn Hatfield Council – was launched this week at the uni’s College Lane Campus.

The scheme is designed to promote good standards by all private landlords for all private tenants, through a university/council endorsed reward scheme.

The launch was attended by university vice chancellor Professor Quintin McKellar, Welwyn Hatfield MP and housing minister Grant Shapps and Welwyn Hatfield councillor Roger Trigg, executive member for housing and community.

Cllr Trigg said: “This scheme benefits both landlords and tenants. Tenants can expect that the property they rent will meet a set of standards and if a problem arises, there is a reliable means of having it resolved. “Landlords receive a model tenancy agreement, advice and local discounts plus the advantage of knowing that tenants are more likely to want to rent properties from them.”

Professor McKellar added: “We are really hopeful that year on year, the scheme will grow and the quality of the accommodation in the private market will improve.”