Carlisle consultation event

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 19 August 2009)

Local landlords have been asked to give their views on how local rented accommodation is managed and how local tenants’ rights are protected.

A consultation event has been organised this Friday (21 August) at Carlisle’s Civic Centre, between 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 4pm, to look at the current Landlords’ Accreditation Scheme and its code of practice.

Issues such as good management practices, what support is available to landlords and what statutory procedures need to be followed are all being reviewed.

A draft Landlords’ Accreditation Scheme code of standards has been developed following an initial consultation with landlords earlier this year and further comments are being sought.

Suggestions will also be sought from landlords or letting agents on how the existing Landlords Accreditation Scheme can be amended or altered to attract more members.

Cllr Olwyn Luckley, Portfolio holder for Health and Community Development, said:

“As part of the Landlords’ Accreditation Scheme, we try and provide as much support and advice as we can to local landlords. We want tenants to live in safe accommodation and we work alongside landlords to ensure that they are aware of changes in the law and that their properties comply with health and safety regulations.

“The consultation is an opportunity for local landlords and letting agents to have their say on the existing scheme and how it could develop. We welcome their comments.”

Copies of the draft codes of standards are available from the Civic Centre, on the City Council’s website  http://www.carlisle.gov.uk/ or by emailing housing@carlisle.gov.uk

The deadline for responses is Friday, 4 September 2009.