Member Article

New lease of life for landlords

Housing related profession and debt management experts have come together in the first seminar of its kind aimed at helping to deliver new ways to engage with residents and to tackle the problems associated with anti-social behaviour and debt control.

The seminar was organised by Caroline Saul of Newcastle based, Red Roof Community Engagement Services who offer practical advice and support to North East landlords. Caroline, an expert in tenancy support services and community engagement, utilised her skills and knowledge of the busy lettings industry to gather together a number of experts to give practical advice and mutual support to tackle some of the problems facing the lettings industry.

The seminar focused on ways to help landlords work out strategies to deal with high risk tenants, reduce the number of empty properties on the market and to tackle the growing problem of rent arrears. More than 175 places were taken up by lettings agents and landlords to attend workshops by experts such as TD Taxation, Style Consultant Nichola English, data storage company Brown & Illingworth, Newcastle County Court Bailiff Service, mortgage company HRC Group , insurers Bishop Skinner and tenant referencing business UKCS.

“Some of our guest speakers were once tenants themselves who had varied problems and now work as professionals. They talked very openly about the issues they experienced, how they were treated and how they are now helping people in the community at grassroots level,” said Caroline. “Sharing their experiences and the lessons learned was very valuable to the delegates. I was fascinated to hear their experiences of how they were perceived and judged especially when they are helping others now. It’s a great flipside to where they have been to where they are now. “

Christian Swinburn whose Gateshead law firm Swinburn & Jackson sponsored the event was delighted with the quality of information given out and the positive role models running the seminar sessions.

“This event was a great way of bringing together all sides of the lettings industry to share best practice and gain an understanding of the help available to landlords and tenants,” he said. “The expertise in the room was immense and gave everyone a lot of good, practical advice to engage with residents, take early action to prevent problems getting out of hand and basically promote a harmonious relationship between landlord and tenant.

Photo shows: Left Caroline Saul with delegates at the seminar. Christian Swinburn front right.

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .