The National Landlords Association (NLA), has launched an online database of NLA members. www.mylandlord.org.uk has been designed to allow tenants to check whether their current or prospective landlord is claiming to be a member of the NLA and, therefore, abides by their standards; following the NLA Code of Practice.

David Salusbury, Chairman, NLA, commenting on the launch of the online database, said: “Not only does the database provide tenants with a level of security that a landlord is bound by certain standards of practice, but it also offers our landlord members the chance to demonstrate to current or potential tenants that they are part of the cream of the crop in the lettings business.”

It sounds like a good idea, but the facility only allows tenants to check whether or not their current landlord is a member – which may not be a huge help if they are not, as the tenant will already have agreed the tenancy. For tenants looking for a new home, through an agent, they would have to know the landlord’s name prior to choosing a home, to be able to check his membership. A more useful database would be a fully accessible system to facilitate finding a member landlord in your area.