A NEW guide to help private landlords improve standards in the borough of Stockton has been launched.

The Stockton Rental Standard is a guide which outlines the legal and best practises expected of all private landlords and is part of an on-going campaign to improve conditions for tenants.

A leading Stockton councillor said some landlords did not understand their legal obligations and were failing to take measures which could prevent anti-social behaviour.

Stockton Borough Council has developed the Stockton Rental Standard as part of a range of measures to drive up standards of all private rental properties across the borough.

Over the coming weeks the council’s Private Sector Housing Team will be distributing a copy to private landlords.

Cllr Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community, said: “We fully recognise that the majority of private landlords in the borough are good landlords who offer a good standard of both property and management. However we know there are some landlords who do not fully understand their legal obligations. We expect landlords to work with us and our partners to prevent issues like anti-social behaviour from occurring.”

In addition to the Stockton Rental Standard the Council encourages private landlords within the Borough to take advantage of additional free services available to them such as the Landlord Accreditation Scheme and the Tenant Referencing Service.

A confidential helpline has also been introduced for private sector housing tenants. Private rented tenants who may be fearful about reporting poor housing conditions or tenancy management are encouraged to ring 01642 528232.

For more information about the support available to private landlords visit www.stockton.gov.uk/privatelandlords