The number of landlords accredited through the National Landlords Association (NLA) Accreditation Scheme has more than doubled over the past year.

The scheme has now accredited more than one thousand landlords since its initial launch in 2010.

The NLA says accreditation ensures landlords have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations for the letting of residential property.

The organisation offers a national scheme that all tenants in England and Wales can recognise as a mark of quality, signifying that a landlord is committed to professional development.The scheme is also backed by free and regular local meetings, which can count towards development.

Brian Balchin, NLA member and accredited landlord, said: “The NLA’s Accreditation scheme gives landlords a much better perspective of what it means to be a landlord, giving you a big picture view of how the private-rented sector works and preparing you for any eventualities.

“I let to students and the University recognises that an accredited landlord understands what is required of them. I attained my accreditation through the one-day NLA Landlord Foundation course.”

David Salusbury, chairman, National Landlords Association, said: “Landlord accreditation is a key way of raising standards. The NLA believes that accreditation for landlords should be based on a landlord’s thorough understanding of letting in the private-rented sector. The scheme gives tenants confidence that they are dealing with a professional who understands the obligations and legislation affecting the tenancy.

“All landlords who are accredited can promote their professionalism to their tenants by using the NLA Accreditation logo.  The scheme is recognised by all local authorities across England and Wales.”

To find out more about the NLA Accreditation Scheme visit: www.landlords.org.uk/accreditation

• A checklist giving guidance to landlords and agents on what to do before, during and at the end of the tenancy to ensure they have the right evidence if a dispute arises over deposits has been released by mydeposits.

Although formal disputes are rare, they are usually caused by issues such as cleaning charges, unpaid rent and damage to the property or its contents. By following the checklist, mydeposits say landlords will be armed with the best evidence possible if they face a dispute over the deposit return.

Eddie Hooker, chief executive of mydeposits, said: “This checklist covers everything a landlord needs to do, from a robust tenancy agreement, inventory reports, keeping a record of rent payments and doing check-in and check-out reports.

“Landlords and agents should remember that the deposit is always the tenant’s money, and if they wish to withhold any of it for cleaning or unpaid rent, then they must provide evidence of this.

“By following the checklist, landlords will ensure they have this evidence and aren’t losing any disputes unnecessarily.”