A PRIVATE landlord's forum, offering private landlords and letting agents the opportunity to meet with each other and with representatives from a number of organisations and agencies whose services will be of benefit to them, is being staged in Tavistock next week.

The event, organised by West Devon Borough Council, is being held on Wednesday September 22 at the borough's offices at Kilworthy Park.

The forum, which runs from 3pm until 7pm, will include:

l West Devon Borough Council's Environmental Health Service, who can offer advice on grants, Health and Safety and lettable condition of properties;

l M&B Lettings, advice relating to management of properties;

l West Devon Borough Council's Environmental Services, offering information on the new recycling and waste contract which commences in September;

l The National Landlords Association, advice on a range of products and assistance to landlords;

l West Devon Borough Council's Housing Benefit Service;

l Devon and Somerset Fire Service, advice regarding health and safety in properties; 

l Age Concern, Care and Repair and Guinness Trust, all of whom provide support and advice to landlords whose tenants may be having difficulties in their home.

l Citizens Advice Bureau;

l Police and Community Safety Partnership; and

l West Devon Borough Council Outreach, covering all aspects of services which the Council provides.

Chairman of West Devon's future planning and housing committee, Cllr Diana Moyse, said: 'This is an ideal opportunity for those who rent privately to share their experiences and to gain important information on a range of relevant issues, all of which could make a big difference to their role as a landlord.

'We also hope this forum might encourage new landlords to come forward. Private sector landlords are so important in helping to meet the high levels of housing need in the borough.

The council already works extensively with private landlords to meet the high levels of need.  It offers a full advice service to both landlords and tenants, and can help with a range of issues, including grants which are available to landlords to improve the condition of their rental properties.

Landlords, potential landlords and letting agents are welcome to turn up at any time between 3pm and 7pm on the day.

 For further information please contact the housing advice team on 01822 813600.