Cornwall Council considers Plymouth training scheme

Landlords from across the South West were put through their paces recently when their knowledge of good lettings practices was scrutinised.

The exam followed a specialist, one-day training course run by the South West Landlord’s Association (SWLA), designed to raise and maintain high standards in the private rental market. The nationally accredited scheme covers matters such as tenancy issues, legal responsibilities, landlord/tenant relations, and management practices.

More than 25 individuals, including landlords from Plymouth, Honiton and Ivybridge attended the training event, alongside representatives from Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council.

The SWLA’s accreditation scheme has already been adopted by Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and Teignbridge District Council, who use its services to ensure private landlords comply with regulations and mirror best practice. Cornwall Council is now considering adopting the scheme and representatives attended last week’s course to assess its relevance for its private rental landlords.

Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Community Development said: “The private rented sector plays a vital and growing role in providing housing in Plymouth. Working with landlords to increase and improve property that is available for rent are key priorities for the Council and I welcome working with SWLA on this scheme which will allow good landlords to demonstrate their professionalism and give tenants confidence in the sector.”

Iain Maitland, SWLA vice-chair, said: “By becoming accredited, landlords are actively demonstrating that they take their role seriously and want to learn more about the lettings business. And because accreditation is voluntary everyone benefits with tenants and councils getting a higher standard of landlord and property.”

The SWLA have trained 75 landlords and housing experts since the beginning of the year and have two more training days in the pipeline with the next running in Torbay on 27 June.

The SWLA currently looks after more than 1,000 Landlords in the South West and have provided nationally accredited training courses for 350 people since September 2011.