Why ELA was developed

The Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland are promoting accreditation schemes as an effective means of improving the private rented market.

While many landlords do provide safe and good quality accommodation to their customers, poor housing remains concentrated in the private rented market. Like many industries the private rented market is facing the challenge of modernisation and of improving customer services and are under increased public scrutiny.

ELA provides recognition to landlords and letting agents who take a responsible approach to letting their properties. It offers a systematic way of identifying landlords and letting agents who meet the Code of Standards.

How the ELA scheme was developed

The City of Edinburgh Council set up a project board of key stakeholders such as landlords and letting agents who assisted in the development of the accreditation scheme.

A wider reference group was also consulted; this group was drawn from representatives of letting agents, landlords, universities and consumer groups.

The group discussions have produced the scheme’s Code of Standards and Policy and Procedures.