A city council is consulting with letting agents and landlords about a charter for the private rented sector.

Plymouth’s proposals follow the adoption this summer of Boris Johnson’s London Rental Standard – a voluntary scheme which features accreditation and training, and which has always been expected to provide a template for other cities.

The Plymouth proposals for a charter appear very similar to the ‘Boris’ standard. They include accreditation and training to improve the skills of all landlords and agents in the city.

Also proposed is a model tenancy agreement and code of practice, plus minimum standards for rented housing.

As in London, the scheme would be voluntary, but widespread public awareness would encourage all agents and landlords to join. There would be a ‘Plymouth Healthy Homes’ guide, and a ‘Rent with Confidence’ brand, used to signpost tenants accredited and trained agents and landlords.

The proposals also suggest that further licensing of HMOs should be investigated.

The city council estimates that about 20% of its housing stock is in the private rented sector.

The plan is to launch the final Plymouth Charter for Private Rented Housing next March.

The consultation runs until November 28 and is undoubtedly one that other local authorities will be looking at.