NFB and RLA team up to raise rental standards

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) and the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) have formed a partnership to ensure that landlords have access to reputable builders when developing and maintaining homes across England and Wales.

This collaboration will reportedly make it easier for landlords to secure builders with the appropriate qualifications, accreditations and experience to complete projects to the required standards and regulations using the NFB’s Building Works Hub.

The RLA is home to over 50,000 landlords nationwide, with a combined portfolio of over a quarter of a million properties. The organisation campaigns to improve the private rented sector for both landlords and tenants, engaging with policymakers at all levels of government, with a vision to make renting better for everyone involved in the private rented sector.

Landlords must increasingly comply with government regulations, such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) implemented by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on April 1, 2018, to ensure that rental properties are happy homes for inhabitants. Having access to builders that are approved by the NFB enables landlords to make the necessary changes and avoid increased costs so often associated with poor workmanship when trade association endorsement does not exist. Only builders who meet strict criteria will be approved and recommended via the NFB building works hub.

Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the RLA, said: “Choosing the right builder for the right job can be a real headache for landlords. Through this new partnership we can ease some of that strain by putting our members in contact with builders local to them who have a proven track record delivering high quality work and have been independently vetted by the NFB.”

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “NFB members are professional builders and contractors, dedicated to providing quality services with care and consideration. We’re very proud of the high standards that our members achieve and are pleased to offer members of the Residential Landlords Association a top-notch service and the confidence that this partnership inspires.”