Council launches private landlord forum

Home > Services > Council and government > Council information, performance and statistics > News - release archive

Renfrewshire council is issuing an open invitation to local landlords to join a new discussion forum in a bid to build links and make sure high-quality, private rented homes are available for those who want to rent them.

The Private Landlords’ Forum was launched on Tuesday 9 October in Paisley's Town Hall. Around 100 local private landlords have already signed up but places are still available.

Councillor Brian Lawson, convener of the housing and community safety policy board said: "Renfrewshire council is hosting this forum to help build partnerships with those landlords who want to manage their rented accommodation to a high standard.

"This forum is the first in a series that we're planning to hold over the year. It provides an opportunity for us to tell landlords about changes in the law and other general issues relating to letting private housing.

"We also want to hear from landlords on how we can work together to promote good practice and drive out rogue landlords who illegally let poor quality property.

"Tenants shouldn't have to put up with property that isn't of a tolerable standard or landlords who fail to meet their obligations. At the same time, neighbours shouldn't have to put up with antisocial behaviour from private tenants. All too often poor behaviour from tenants is down to absentee landlords who ignore their legal duty to manage their property properly."

In April 2006 the Scottish Government introduced a national landlord registration scheme. Since then it has been an offence for a private landlord to let a property unless they are registered with the local authority. Any landlord who doesn't register with the council could be liable for a fine of up to £5,000.

Landlords or agents letting property in Renfrewshire who want to register for the forum should email privategrants.hps@renfrewshire.gov.uk or contact Renfrewshire council’s private sector housing section on 0141 840 3904.

Anyone suffering antisocial behaviour from tenants in a privately rented property should contact the antisocial behaviour helpline on 0800 169 1283.

Press release: Wednesday 10 October 2007