The National Federation of Builders is linking up with a lettings trade body to make it easier for reputable craftspeople to be used for repairs and maintenance.

The NFB, which is the construction industry’s longest established trade association, is working with the Residential Landlords Association in a bid to improve the identification and use of reputable builders for work in the lettings sector. 

The bodies says this collaboration will make it easier for landlords to secure builders with the appropriate qualifications, accreditations and experience to complete projects to the required standards and regulations using the NFB’s Building Works Hub.

The groups say this coincides with increasing pressue on the rental sector to meet higher standards, such as those imposed by MRRS, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. 

They say that having access to builders that are approved by the NFB enables landlords and agents acting on their behalf to make the necessary changes and avoid increased costs so often associated with poor workmanship when trade association endorsement does not exist. 

Only builders who meet strict criteria will be approved and recommended via the NFB building works hub.

“Choosing the right builder for the right job can be a real headache for landlords. Through this new partnership we can ease some of that strain by putting our members in contact with builders local to them who have a proven track record delivering high quality work and have been independently vetted by the NFB” says Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the RLA.

“NFB members are professional builders and contractors, dedicated to providing quality services with care and consideration. We’re very proud of the high standards that our members achieve and are pleased to offer members of the Residential Landlords Association a top notch service and the confidence that this partnership inspires” states  Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB.