UK-based landlord association launches its online database website for all its members in order to improve the buy-to-let industry.

An online Landlord Database Website, launched today by the UK based Landlords Association, is designed to allow tenants to check if their landlords are bound by the “code of practice” in providing the highest standard of services within the residential lettings market.  The premise is two fold, to increase the level of security for tenants providing peace of mind that they are receiving a quality service from their landlords; whilst increasing the Landlords reputation with current and future tenants.

However, the website has been heavily criticized within the industry as the membership fee required to be featured within the Landlords listings is placing a further burden on already heavily encumbered landlords - who argue that they are already struggling to meet the financial demands of renting their property.

As landlords fees can now include Gas safety Inspections, Energy Performance Certificates, Inventory preparation, Letting Fees, Electricity Inspections & Agents Fees to name but a few, they are understandably reluctant to add yet another cost to this already weighty pile.

It has also been mooted that as there is currently sufficient legislation to ensure that landlords provide a high quality standard of service when renting properties - this extra measure seems gratuitous.