More than 200 landlords from across Bournemouth came together to gain valuable advice at the first Landlords Conference 2008 hosted by Bournemouth Borough Council.

With almost one in five of the properties in Bournemouth privately rented the event was arranged by the Council to help make sure that landlords have the information they need to let their properties well.

The event, which took place at AFC Bournemouth, included discussions on a variety of areas including: information on the new benefits system; advice on how to let your property through the Council; details on the grants available to bring empty properties back into use as well as advice on how to detect cannabis manufacture by tenants within a property.

Councillor Peter Charon, Cabinet Member for Housing and Procurement said: "It was great to see so many landlords from across the borough attend our first ever landlords conference, including representatives from Bournemouth University. I hope to see more events like this one taking place in the future to encourage a constructive two-way dialogue between the Council and landlords with the ultimate goal of improving housing for the thousands of people who rent in Bournemouth."

FEEDBACK:

Feedback has informed that over 80% of delegates rated the conference as either excellent, very good or good. Delegates have also suggested subjects they would like more information on at future conferences such as health and safety requirements and legal responsibilities of landlords. Many exhibitors at the event found that it had a positive impact on their company/organisation.

If you are a landlord and would like to know about this and future events, please contact Joanna Keats on 01202 451085 / email or Kate Osborne on 01202 458226 / email