Landlords Meet at An Inaugural South Essex Forum

SOUTH ESSEX - More than 70 landlords met at an inaugural South Essex Forum on 13 November to learn about how to become even better landlords. The event was run jointly between the South Essex Housing Group and the National Landlords Association with support from Birkett LLP and other expert speakers.

The event covered the key legal responsibilities of being a landlord such as keeping rental properties in good shape, looking after the needs of tenants and making sure the right tenancy agreement is in place.

The impact of Brexit on mortgage finance was discussed along with investment strategies that landlords could follow to improve their portfolios including managing their tax affairs.

The National Landlords Association provided invaluable advice on recent Government consultations and new legislative changes affecting, for example, Section 21 Evictions, the Tenant Fees Act, the Rogue Landlords Database and the introduction of compulsory five-year electricity checks.

A new initiative known as “Ready to Rent” was also launched at the forum from participating South Essex Local Authorities designed to help landlords comply with new and changing legislation to ensure their properties are safe for tenants. The offer includes inspections, advice / support and Ready to Rent Certification valid for three years.

The event concluded with the panel question and answer session with expert the speakers on hand from Birketts, Home of Mortgages, the National Landlords Association and Rochford District Council.

Louisa Moss, Chair South Essex Private Housing Group, said: “Landlord Forums are a good way to get an update on the latest professional expertise, advice and support”.

“I would urge all local landlords and agents to attend future events and to register their interest by contacting our private housing team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.”

Image: Alice Harris, property litigator at Birketts. 

Alice Harris, Senior Associate and property litigator at Birketts said: “Failure to comply with legal requirements could result in a civil and or criminal offence with hefty fines and leave you unable to remove your tenant from the property, so it is important to get it right. Ensuring you have the right agreement, documents and certificates in place will help you along the way. There’s lot of support out there and I would encourage all landlords to seek the necessary advice.

ABC Comment, what did you think of this event?