HALo Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is HALo?
A. Hastings Accredited Lettings Scheme is a scheme for private landlords and managing agents, designed to recognise good quality privately rented accommodation.

Q. Is it run by the council?
A. Yes.  It has been developed by the council and will be run from the Housing Services Office at Christchurch, London Road, St Leonards on Sea by a designated Accreditation Officer.

Q. Is it a voluntary scheme?
A. Yes.  The council has legal powers to deal with sub-standard accommodation.  HALo is keen to highlight those properties at the other end of the scale - privately rented homes that are of a good standard, well managed and maintained.  It is your choice whether you join the scheme, but if you do you will have access to a wide range of benefits for the landlord.

Q. How does HALo work?
A. If you join the scheme, you will be sent an information pack, which includes the standards, including management and accommodation, expected to be attained in accredited properties.  Alternatively, if you prefer, an informal visit is made at this stage so that the scheme and information pack can be discussed in person.  If you decide to join the scheme then your completed application form should be returned to the Accreditation Officer.

The landlord self-certifies that the property meets the required standards, that it complies with the requirements of the HALo Code of Practice and that the landlord agrees to abide by its terms.  A full information pack, including accreditation certificate, publicity material and advice leaflets will then be provided.  The Accreditation lasts for one year.

Q. What happens after the first year?
A. The property is inspected to ensure it still complies with scheme requirements.  It is then accredited again for one further year.  Following this, a second inspection will accredit the property for a further 3 years.  An automatic check is made if a complaint is received.  As part of the application procedure the tenant of the property will be consulted for their opinion as to whether the property should be accredited.

Q. Does the scheme apply to all types of property?
A. Yes, the scheme is property rather than landlord based, and covers single houses, flats and bedsits.  In the case of bedsits, the whole property would need to be accredited.

Q. Are the standards very high?
A. The standards are based on legislation and are therefore what would be expected of decent homes which any tenant would wish to rent, and to continue to occupy for a considerable period.

Q. Will joining HALo cost anything?
A. HALo is a free scheme financed by the Council so that there is no barrier to prevent good landlords from joining the scheme.

Q. Are there any good things in this for the council?
A. Yes.  HALo will promote even better and closer contacts with good landlords than exists already, to canvass their opinion about local housing matters, and to provide more advice and assistance to landlords, tenants, agents and anyone else interested in improving Hastings' private rented sector.

Q. How do I find out more?
A. Simply contact us

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