Working in partnership with the East Midlands Decent and Safer Homes initiative, South Derbyshire District Council is holding a special event to promote the new East Midlands accreditation scheme for landlords at the Newton Park Hotel at Newton Solney on Monday 19 May from 1pm to 8pm.

Says Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, “Landlords rather than properties are accredited, so landlords have to prove that they are 'fit and proper' people to let property to tenants.

“So that we can work to provide more homes for more local people, we want to help established landlords and those people who may have recently bought a property to let in South Derbyshire, to ensure that they are aware of the rules and regulations. With the new accreditation scheme, landlords have to show that they are aware of hazards and also have property management skills.”

Cllr Heather Wheeler continues, “Recent changes to the Housing Act have dramatically altered landlords’ responsibilities for health and safety. There are 29 listed hazards which landlords need to ensure that they prevent. I would recommend that whether you have a single property to rent or many more, it’s worth coming to the event to make sure that your tenants are safe. The improvements which you carry out can also raise the value of your property.”

At the event, there will be information and lectures about housing enforcement, licensing, fire safety as well as information about the changes to the way housing benefit is paid to landlords. Landlords will be able to talk to enforcement officers and find out more about current housing law. There will also be mortgage information and advice to assist landlords with difficult tenants.

If you would like further information, please contact Liz Daykin, Private Sector Housing Officer on 01283 595967