What is CLAS?
CLAS is an accreditation scheme for commercial landlords. Those landlords who sign up are expected to follow the scheme rules, which entail conveying certain information to occupiers, particularly smaller occupiers, at the earliest possible stage in lease negotiations. They are expected to convey to occupiers their complaints procedure and a named contact at their firm to whom they can make complaints. Thirdly, they agree to abide by the Leasing Business Premises: Landlord Code 2007.
In return, landlords that join the scheme are awarded the scheme Standard Mark, which they can use on their marketing materials as what we hope will become the sign of a 1st CLAS landlord.
Does the scheme have teeth?
The scheme is governed by an independent board, which will adjudicate in cases where there has been a serious breach of the scheme. The scheme cannot put right disputes, but will encourage its members to resolve complaints. Where the landlord has breached the scheme rules, there are a series of sanctions that can be applied and, for serious breaches, the board can name and shame the landlord and withdraw their scheme membership.
What if I have a complaint?
Your first step should be to pursue this through the landlord's complaints procedure, a copy of which you should have been given, together with a contact for complaints. If you are unhappy with the result, you should pursue your complaint with the scheme operator:
CLAS Scheme Operator
1 Warwick Row
7th Floor
London
SW1E 5ER
Tel: 020 7802 0112
Fax: 020 7834 3442
