A new scheme is being launched by the council in partnership with East 15 Acting School (part of the University of Essex). The Student Accommodation Accreditation Scheme aims to encourage good practice among landlords and to provide good-quality, privately-rented accommodation for students.
Landlords in the Loughton, Debden and Theydon Bois areas are being asked to consider renting their property to these students.
Portfolio Holder for Housing Councillor David Stallan said: “There are benefits for landlords who take part in this scheme. Membership of an accreditation scheme may lead to discounts for landlords’ insurance policies. It also gives official recognition to those landlords whose properties achieve the agreed standards, allowing students to select their accommodation with confidence.”
The council will need to inspect any properties put forward by interested landlords in order to ensure they achieve the required standards. If they meet the criteria, an Accreditation Certificate is issued which is valid for five years (subject to Gas Safety Certificates being produced annually).
For further information on the Accreditation Scheme, landlords should contact the Private Sector Housing team at Epping Forest District Council on 01992 564348 or email privatesectorhousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
If residents in the Loughton, Debden and Theydon Bois area only have a spare bedroom to rent, they can still help E15 Acting School students. There are also students (including mature and international) who are looking for opportunities to board with local host families.
Councillor Stallan concluded: “I would urge landlords to get in touch so that we can help students and possibly stars of the future to find accommodation in the area.”
Anyone interested, or anyone who would like an informal chat, should contact Morgan Lee-Stephens, Accommodation Officer at East 15 Acting School on 0208 508 5983, ext 34 or by email on mleest@essex.ac.uk.
