Free conference for landlords in Croydon

Buy-to-let landlords with properties in Croydon, south London, are being invited to attend a free conference being run this week by Croydon Council, designed to help landlords understand the challenges up ahead.

The council is offering free support to help local landlords cope with a raft of changes over the next few months, with several presentations set to cover various issues, including new law changes around HMOs, tenants on Universal Credit, and how to improve a property’s energy efficiency.

The event, which will be held at The Jury’s Inn hotel in Wellesley Road, will take place from 9.30am to 5pm on Friday 5 October, and is open to both existing private landlords with properties in the borough and those looking to invest in Croydon.

Those attending can meet and get advice from industry bodies, London Fire Brigade (LFB), and the council’s own property licensing and lettings teams, as well as network with potential suppliers from cleaners to security consultants.

The event will also have stalls hosted by specialists on hand to offer landlords advice, from an inventory clerk and gas safety engineers to LFB offering home fire safety visits.

Also attending will be Citizens’ Advice, the council’s anti-social behaviour team and industry accreditation body NAPIT, which will give a training session on electrical safety.

Landlords attending will also have an opportunity to learn more about Croydon Lettings, an initiative set-up by the council earlier this year to match private landlords with tenants, including those with disabilities.

So far, 12 tenants have been found a property, with 34 landlords now on the scheme’s books.

Tenants benefit from financial management support and subsidised moves, while benefits to landlords include a wider pool of vetted tenants, guaranteed rent and no agent fees.

Cllr Alison Butler, Croydon Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services, said: “By giving Croydon landlords the knowledge, skills and support they need, we believe that not only will their local businesses flourish but also their tenants will benefit and flourish.

“This event will help both new and experienced landlords to network and learn more, and I hope as many as possible attend.”

Landlords must pre-register to attend any of the presentations at the event by emailing: Propertylicensing@croydon.gov.uk.

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