TENANTS and landlords in Pendle are being asked to join an innovative scheme to improve the standard of private housing.

The council has launched a recruitment drive for the Pendle Landlord and Tenant Accreditation Scheme (PLTAS), which works to raise the standard of housing.

The voluntary scheme, launched last summer, gives landlords the chance to show their properties are well-managed and meet negotiated standards, as well as identifying good tenants.

PLTAS is financed by Pendle's share of the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, but in future it is likely to be funded by Elevate East Lancashire, the housing market pathfinder renewal initiative.

Councillor David Clegg, portfolio holder for housing, said: "We value the important role private landlords play in providing accommodation to meet the diverse range of households living in Pendle.

"We want to encourage as many private landlords and tenants to join the scheme as possible."

The scheme also provides free advice to landlords and tenants on a range of issues related to renting or letting property.

Regular meetings are held for landlords to get advice on marketing their property, waste disposal and health and safety issues.

In the future, it is hoped landlords may be able to get discounts from approved contractors for maintenance work to properties.

Project officer Shahzad Tabassum said: "We hope that by joining the scheme, both landlords and tenants will have an advantage over those that are not involved.

"Tenants should find it easier to be accepted for property and landlords should find that tenants want their properties more.

"We will continually strive to create benefits for both parties involved involved in the scheme in order to help raise the standard of private sector housing in Pendle over the next few years."