By Steph Johnson

Published at 11:47, Wednesday, 10 September 2008

POLICE and lawyers were on hand to give advice at Carlisle’s first landlord open day.

Olwyn Luckley: ’We try and provide as much support and advice as we can to local landlords’

The city council invited about 200 private and social housing landlords for the event at the Civic Centre, aimed at raising awareness of changes to the law and offer expert solutions on best practice.

Police were in attendance to talk about the Secure by Design standard, the idea being that crime prevention should be taken into account when properties are built or renovated.

From next month landlords will need an Energy Performance Certificate for their properties.

Trading Standards officers were on hand to explain how they will enforce the policy.

Principle trading standards officer Angus Hornsby said: “We will be letting them know what their obligations are and giving them a chance to ask any questions they might have.”

Health and Safety Executive officers were there to discuss gas safety.

They had interest from more than just landlords, as a number of students also popped in to find out about their rights.

Paul Forster of Bell Park Kerridge solicitors was manning one of the trade stands.

Mr Forster said the rental market in Carlisle was buoyant, partly because an increasing number of people are choosing to move into rented accommodation when they sell their homes instead of rushing into buying again.

Spokeswoman for health and wellbeing councillor Olwyn Luckley said: “As part of the Landlords Forum, we try and provide as much support and advice as we can to local landlords. We want tenants to live in safe accommodation and we work alongside landlords to ensure they are aware of changes in the law and that their properties comply with health and safety regulations.”

SJohnson@cngroup.co.uk

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk