LANDLORDS in the Tees Valley have been invited to an event to find out more about renting out their properties.

The Tees Valley Private Landlord Forum will take place in Middlesbrough on Tuesday, March 5 and will give people the chance to catch up on current issues within the private rented sector and speak to council representatives and industry experts.

The forum will include a training session on the legal process of starting and ending a tenancy, a presentation on finance and a session on getting your tax right.

There will also be exhibitors at the event including Teesside Law Clinic, Northumbrian Water, the National Landlord Association, Erimus Housing and DISC, which provides rent bonds and support to tenants.

Other topics during seminar sessions at the event include the Welfare Reform Act, local council tax benefit changes and new occupancy rules.

The drop-in event, which runs from 12.45pm to 5pm at the Middlesbrough Training And Learning Centre, in Cargo Fleet Lane, is free and open to all private landlords in Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “I would urge any private landlords to come along to this free drop-in session.

“Renting out a property can seem complicated but help is at hand for anyone who wants to make sure they are up-to-date on all the legal and financial implications”

Places at the event do not need to be booked in advance. For more information e-mail gillian.fox@darlington.gov.uk