National Student Housing Codes

1
National Student Housing Codes Context and
Development

• London Student Housing Conference
• Monday 30 June 2008
• John Daniels
• Chair of the Committee of Management
• ANUK/Unipol Codes for Larger Student Developments

2
Student Codes of Practice - Overview

• Important to know where we have come from
• I will cover
• Past Context Accreditation Legislation
• Present Situation current scope of Codes
• Future development whats to do?

3
Codes of Practice in Context

• I see the Codes as Accreditation in Action
• Explained By
• Historical Background
• Legal Framework
• Government Policy
• Internal Drivers

4
Codes as Accreditation in Action

• Accreditation is Voluntary not Compulsory
• About Quality of Property Management
• Marketable Badge of Quality exceeding legal
  minimum
• Govt/LAs/Landlord Bodies/ANUK in partnership
  endorsing good landlords
• Support from Shelter, NUS etc too
• Also about good tenants

5
Codes Historical Background

• 1999 Birmingham University asked by govt to
  research What is Accreditation?
• May 2001 Philip Leathers report guide
  published
• Oct 2001 Leeds CC Unipol Conference
• May 2001 ANUK formed
• Dec 2001 First ANUK National Conference
• July 2003 First draft Student COP to ANUK SG
• Sept 2004 HA04 to provide for approved codes
• April 2005 ANUK and UUK Codes are ACOPS

6
Codes the Legal Framework

• Precedent for Government Approved Codes Of
  Practice
• Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development
  Act 1993 section 87 RICS Code
• Housing Act 2004
• Sections 55, 259, Schedule 14 what is/ is not
  an HMO for licensing
• Section 233 approval of Codes of Practice for
  HMOs whether or not licensable
• NOTE Schedule 14 excepts buildings complying with
  a code that are specified by order

7
Codes go beyond Law

• Codes are not just legal requirement
• Self contained flats not licensable
• Codes go beyond a legal minimum
• Codes offer marketable badge
• Codes are aspirational
• Codes offer scheme for management control

8
Government Policy Codes

• Supports accreditation and self-reg in PRS
• Cannot legislate for everything
• Legislation a sledgehammer slow
• Accreditation supports objectives of licensing
• Compliance with codes avoids extending licensing
  to educational establishments

9
Govt Criteria for ACOPs

• General Requirements
• 1. Type of Code - licensed HMOs or excepted
  accommodation.
• 2. A national code clearly states its scope and
  properties it covers.
• 3. Who maintains and owns code (say Committee of
  Management)
• 4. Who will ensure compliance - adequate
  procedures for accrediting
• 5. Mechanisms for dispute resolution arrangements
  and complaints
• 6. Code should apply to the management of the
  property Etc.
• Particular Requirements for Student Accommodation
• 1. Code should simply deal with housing matters.
• 2. Written terms of tenure
• 3. Contact details for their landlord.
• 4. Range of safety provisions Etc.

10
Govt concerns about ACOPs

• Response to Consultation March 2006
• Codes broadly meet its criteria
• Codes seen as work in progress
• Need for annual reviews annual reports
• Protocol important convergence in 3 years
• Can withdraw ACOP status if unsatisfactory
• Need for fully tried complaints mechanisms
• Need for adequate compliance checking

11
Internal Drivers

• Govt response shouldnt be only driver
• Members want Codes to be good badge
• Highlight problems with non-members
• Importance for internal management audits
• Concern to ensure standards are maintained
• Need to maintain momentum
• To keep codes fresh and moving on

12
Current Scope of Codes

• Marketing contract, deposits, inventory,
  contacts.
• Tenancy managed access, repairs, cleaning,
  facilities (furnishing, baths, toilets, laundry,
  mail).
• End of Tenancy Deposits (HA04?), References.
• Disputes ANUK Tribunal, UUK - University
  procedures/Office of Independent Adjudicator.
• Compliance ANUK - Self-cert Audit Framework, UUK
  - University auditors (Management Cttes).

13
Current Situation on Codes

• Half yearly SIs for HMO exemptions
• Annual Reports on Codes
• Concerns about UUK Code
• Annual Revisions of Codes

14
Developments of ANUK Code

• Since becoming ACOP March 2006
• New Members
• Detailed Technical Changes
• Development of Assessment Verification
• Testing Complaints procedure
• May become ACOP in Scotland N Ireland
• Improved Marketing being developed
• Survey of Housing Managers in hand
• Review of Code in hand

15
Review of the ANUK Code

• Chaired by Dennis Hopper (CUBO Leeds) to review
• Reduce physical standards focus on management
• Gold standard good but scope for tiered approach
• Peer to peer review by educational institutions
• Key NUS role
• New Code to be submitted to DCLG for new ACOP
  w.ef January or April 2008

16
Impact of Future Govt Policies

• Read-across from Private Renting Policies
• Tenancy Deposits
• Select Committee Report published 28 May
• DCLG Rugg Review reporting October
• DBERR (Business, Enterprise Reg Reform)
  Regulation of Letting Agents (also RICS Carlsberg
  Review)

17
Likely Review Outcomes?

• Select Committee Report
• Govts response will hinge on Rugg review
• Need to encourage institutional investment
• More research on needs of students/immigrants
• Concerns about Buy to let/leave empty
• Linking accreditation and landlord registration?
• Regulation of Letting Agents (accreditation/OFTENA
  NT?)
• Review by Julie Rugg (Centre for Housing Policy
  York)
• Wide remit to look at who uses PRS and future
  prospects
• Probable outcome greater emphasis on
  accreditation

18
To the Future

• Scope of Codes
• Emphasis on Management
• Role of UUK Code?
• Convergence of Codes?
• Dynamics?
• The floor is open to suggestions!