0:01 AM, 14th April 2025, About 3 months ago 3
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Two councils have joined forces to reassure private landlords who are anxious about the impending Renters’ Rights Bill, encouraging them to seek help from them.
East and West Suffolk councils say the legislation, which they say could be law by this summer, are organising a free training session for landlords and agents in Newmarket.
It will give details about the legislative updates and available support.
Dubbed ‘Safe Suffolk Renters – East and West Suffolk’, the partnership will work with landlords to uphold standards and exchange effective practices.
West Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Richard O’Driscoll, said: “Private landlords are an important and integral part in how we collectively house our communities in West Suffolk.
“We know there have been lots of scary headlines about the national changes but both West Suffolk and East Suffolk Councils can help and support landlords through these changes.
“Our West Suffolk Lettings Partnership, for instance, is already working with landlords and letting agents to manage 130 homes on their behalf at no cost to the landlord or agent, with guaranteed rent, regular checks on the property and support for both the landlord and their tenants.”
He added: “From our point of view, the national changes don’t need to be scary, but they do present landlords and letting agents with another very good reason to look at how working with us can benefit them and their tenants.”
East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Housing, Cllr David Beavan, said: “We want to help private landlords navigate the new legislation coming their way this year.
“With falling interest rates and a desperate need for housing locally, there will always be a place for responsible private lets in East Suffolk.
“Rather than rushing to evict tenants and getting bogged down in court proceedings, I would urge landlords to contact us to discuss the resources we have in place to help.”
He adds: “We can offer advice on how to prepare for changes to the system and explore options to ensure a successful tenancy without cause for eviction.”
Both councils say they provide a cost-free lettings service, ensuring fixed rent and covering deposit bonds up to six weeks of rental value.
That’s alongside regular property assessments to assure landlords of proper maintenance.
This service is designed to foster successful tenancies and help tackle homelessness.
Further details on support from East Suffolk Council are available on its website, while West Suffolk Council’s resources can be accessed via its dedicated landlord page.
The ‘Safe Suffolk Renters – East and West Suffolk’ programme also offers a liaison service for specific queries and keeps information current for private landlords and tenants on its site.
Landlords and agents interested in the free ‘Guiding you through the Renters’ Rights Bill’ seminar on 29 April at Newmarket Racecourse can register through the Safe Suffolk Renters events page.
Meanwhile, landlords are invited to join Rent Smart Devon at Exeter Racecourse on Thursday, 22 May.
The event is free to attend and will feature exhibitions from specialist companies covering various aspects of property management, as well as support organisations.
Presentations begin at 3pm and will focus on the Renters’ Rights Bill and its impact on:
Rent Smart Devon is presented in partnership with East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council and Torbay Council.
Book your place here.
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TheMaluka
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Sign Up12:53 PM, 14th April 2025, About 3 months ago
"Tenants’ rights and enhanced protections, helping you understand the new rights and protections afforded to tenants"
How about helping the tenants understand their obligations?
Des Taylor & Phil Turtle, Landlord Licensing & Defence
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Sign Up13:21 PM, 14th April 2025, About 3 months ago
The Local Housing Authority is the enforcer, the housing police.
In the same way that you wouldn’t go to the police because you’re worried about the knife you have with blood dripping off it to ask how to dispose of it safely - maybe you wouldn’t want to discuss RRB - or other legal hosing matters that you probably aren’t fully compliant with - with the housing police.
Just a thought to help Landlords avoid self-incrimination
DPT
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Sign Up17:51 PM, 14th April 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Des Taylor & Phil Turtle, Landlord Licensing & Defence at 14/04/2025 - 13:21
Exactly. Landlords should seek independent advice and training. Councils have a vested interest in playing down the costs and risks to landlords so that they don't lose even more of the increasingly scarce rental stock in their patch.
Councils are not landlords friends. They are the body that will have a duty to prosecute, fine, impose penalties and help tenants claim rent repayment orders against landlords. By recruiting them into their advice and training, they're also potentially removing any defence they might try to use that they were unaware or misunderstood.