Tunbridge Wells Borough Council recently held its first Landlord Development Day in its Town Hall.
Marion Money, the Kent representative of the National Landlords Association, provided training to local landlords and agents who undertook a test of competency at the end of a day.
All attendees passed the test and received certificates which will enable them to promote themselves as Private Accredited Letting (PAL) trained landlords or agents when advertising their NAL accredited properties.
The day covered many aspects of private renting, including finding tenants, keeping records, repairing obligations and property standards, managing, and ending a tenancy.
One local landlord said: “I learned so much from the day and would recommend this to anyone who has a direct interest in private lettings.
I even got a discount on the course fee because I already have PAL accredited properties. It really is extremely good value for money.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is hoping to hold a second Landlord Development Day will later in the year and is keen to include local letting agents.
It is anticipated that the cost will be kept at around £70 including lunch.
For more information contact Thomas Best-Shaw on 01892 554409.
• Mary Latham, founder and chair of the Association of Midlands Landlords; will be one of the speakers at a forum for private landlords being organised by Walsall Council.
It will feature presentations on a range of tenancy issues, such as how to start and end a tenancy legally, gas safety, local housing allowance, how to deal with anti social behaviour and how to make properties more energy efficient.
The event, on Thursday, 16 July, at the Holiday Inn at junction 7 of the M6 at Walsall, provides an opportunity for landlords to find out about new laws and regulations as well as to gain advice and information.
Chris Hurst from Hurst homes, a landlord in Warwickshire said: “It is good to see that Walsall Council is so focussed on landlords and keeping them up to date. I always find out about new information and it is good to meet other landlords. The Landlord Forums are beneficial to all private lettings businesses” .
The Landlord Forum is open to any landlords operating in the Walsall area. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of the council said: “We are committed to improving life for people living in rented accommodation by helping their landlords to provide a top-quality service. I am sure landlords attending the event will find the workshops and presentations invaluable.”
Landlords who want to reserve a place should contact Walsall Council on 01922 655415 or email: housingstrategyandpartnerships@walsall.gov.uk for further information.
