Councils on Teesside continue to tighten the noose on rogue private landlords.

Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson yesterday unveiled The Hartlepool Voluntary Landlord Registration and Property Accreditation Scheme aimed at promoting higher standards within Hartlepool's privately rented sector.

Neighbouring Middlesbrough Council already has a tenant management scheme with private landlords, aimed at stopping tenants evicted from a council house for harassment or anti social behaviour - including drug trafficking - moving to a different landlord.

Coun Ken Walker, former leader of Middlesbrough Council's controlling Labour group, last year called for the naming and shaming of unscrupulous landlords who do not sign the agreement.

Welcoming Hartlepool's initiative, yesterday, local Coun John Lauderdale, cabinet member for town management, said: "In common with other towns and cities, Hartlepool has seen a significant increase in the number of private properties available for rent, particularly in parts of the town centre.

"Whilst there are Government proposals to establish statutory landlord licensing in the private sector, this is a voluntary scheme and it will rely on the goodwill and cooperation of landlords; and this has to be a success."

Peter Mandelson, the town's MP commented: "I think this is going to be good news for tenants and landlords alike. They don't work against each other, they are dependant on each other. This scheme is good for all in the town who are connected with private rented accommodation."

Michael Thompson, the council's co-ordinator for the Hartlepool scheme said: "We want to highlight private rented properties of a decent standard, which are well managed and well maintained.

"Landlords who are interested can be sent an information pack, which includes details of our code of standards. If they decide to join the scheme they will be sent an application form to formally register their details.

"We will then contact them to advise whether their application has been successful and arrange to carry out an inspection of their property. If successful, promotional material for advertising will be issued."

He added: "Our property standards are taken from legislation and so are ordinary, decent standards, The majority of properties offered to the scheme by landlords who already promote good working practices will most likely comply straight away."