THE first private housing landlords to join a pilot Kirklees Council scheme have received their certificates.

Landlords are being encouraged to keep up good standards in the project, which covers parts of Birkby, Fartown, Paddock and Crosland Moor.

Catherine Fisher, director of Huddersfield-based Ogygian, which rents properties to students, said she was delighted to sign up.

"The benefits to us are that we are being recognised and acknowledged at the top standard," she said.

"What distinguishes this scheme from other landlord groupings is the requirement to meet set standards as a condition of membership.

"The accreditation comes only after inspection. It is a badge of confidence."

The certificates were presented at a landlords' forum in Fartown Village Hall.

Landlords joining the scheme must comply with standards agreed by a steering group.

They allow their properties to be inspected and are then accredited as commended or highly commended if they are judged to be up to the mark.

The scheme has been joined by 47 landlords owning 150 properties with 470 bedspaces.

Kim Brear, Kirklees Council's assistant housing director, said: "A better standard, better-managed private rented sector will give more choice to tenants.

"It will also regenerate areas of low demand, reduce anti-social behaviour and build sustainable communities," she added.