Launch of the new Unipol/DASH Code - Existing owners 

Since opening the Nottingham service, Unipol have been working hard with landlords, the students' unions, both universities (Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham) and the Councils to put together a new Code for student housing. We have now completed that process and the new Code was launched on 1st August 2008. The press release can be read here

If you joined the previous Code that was running from Monday 12th November 2007 to the 31st July 2008 this Code has now been replaced, and you can join the new scheme simply by signing the enclosed declaration form and returning to us. In initially accrediting landlords, we took into account the standards that were likely to be in the new Code so you will already meet those standards (or will be on the way to meeting them). I am also enclosing a copy of the newly redesigned Code. If you would like further copies of the Code, or the declaration, these can be downloaded here or alternatively you can ring the office and we will send you what you require.

The code logo has also been updated to a rather punchier "thumbs up" so that the landlords, universities, colleges and the students' unions can market the Code more easily next year. As soon as you return your signed declaration, you will be sent a new accreditation certificate which will be valid until 31st July 2011. Later in the year (nearer the next house hunting season) we will also send you some free merchandising so that you can also use this to help promote your commitment to the Unipol DASH Code.

We have been undertaking a large piece of research in Nottingham and although the full results of that will be available in a special briefing during October 2008, I can let you know that 92% of students in Nottingham said they valued the Code as an important part of their decision-making process about letting, so I am hopeful that being a member of the new Code will turn into a real marketing advantage.

Although there is considerable bureaucracy involved in getting landlords to sign a new Declaration and issue them with the new Certificate, we have decided to make no charge for this so long as they return the Declaration before noon on Friday 12th September 2008. After that date, if you have not returned your Declaration, your membership of the old scheme will lapse and you will need to rejoin and there will be a fee to cover the administrative cost of doing that. So reply now and save yourself money. The forthcoming fees can be consulted here. 

We hope you will agree that the new Code is easier to read and sets a proper standard for good student housing in Nottingham, which you help to provide. If you want any further information, or wish to discuss any aspect of this with a member of Unipol's staff then feel free to contact us by phone, email or in writing at any time.