Millions invested in education project for agents and tenants

Five councils are delivering what they call “a ground-breaking project” aimed at improving the experience and environment for landlords and tenants in the private rented sector.

Called ‘Safe Suffolk Renters’, this initiative is designed to create a better understanding of the pressures and problems in the sector, and to improve standards, particularly in the worst private rented homes in the area. 

To achieve this, the project team will consult widely with tenants, landlords and others in the county.

The project is staging a conference for private sector landlords at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich. Engaging for a Better Future will bring together landlords, representatives of member associations and industry professionals in November.

The conference will feature practical guidance and information on a range of subjects including mortgages, financing, tax advice, property maintenance and changes to legislation.

Safe Suffolk Renters has been developed thanks to £2.2m of government funding and involves Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk councils.

Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger, Chair of Suffolk Housing Board, says: “This is a really exciting opportunity to bring together a range of different agencies with the sole aim of improving people’s understanding of the Private Rented Sector, whether they are a landlord or tenant. We are committed to bringing everyone together to improve standards.”

Similar conferences for tenants and others will follow. 

A statement says the outcomes of the overall Safe Suffolk Renters project “will be developed into a sustainable model for collaborative working into the future and will also be fed back to help shape future government policy. The initiative has been funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.”