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Darlington District Private Landlord’s Association

Darlington District Private Landlord’s Association is a not-for-profit organisation. A founding partner of the Letslet.net property advertisement network.

The members are private landlords who own residential rental property in Darlington.

The association was founded in 1993, and they strive to represent, support and train their members. The association currently has about 150 members.

Darlington District private landlord’s association offers its members a host of benefits.

These include a discount on landlord services like landlord building insurance, credit checks, tenancy agreement templates, eviction notices and landlord mortgages.

Darlington town offers various types of property from houses, flats and bungalows well as bedsits and houseshares.

The association assists members, so they have access to landlord course and relevant training. This ensures members keep up to date on the latest legislation and regulations.

They can advise members on the house in multiple occupation HMOs too.

If you are a prospective landlord in Darlington. In that case, the association has a good knowledge of the local area and will help and advise you.

They have a good relationship with the local council. If you have one house or multiple properties, they can offer you support.

Due to Covid-19, many property investors have tenants who are in rent arrears. How to deal with these rent arrears promptly is essential.

The government, in recent months, has passed a raft of new legislation that has a direct impact on members due to Covid-19.

When and which eviction notice to serve with what notice period is familiar question members want help with. Member’s advice helpline in times like this is crucial.

Belonging to a professional organisation offers the benefit of meeting other private landlords, which helps with practical letting knowledge and aids in building links with fellow landlords.

Regular Meetings

They meet monthly to discuss various aspects of the letting business. They exchange ideas, share problems, and provide professional advice.

They also have regular guest speakers covering legislation updates and Housing Benefits to finance and tax issues. Minutes are distributed to all members.

Committee members regularly contact local bodies, including Housing Benefit, Environmental Health and the Police and Darlington Borough Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme.

Help with Lettings

In addition to their free property advertising on www.letslet.net, they have their own advert in local papers.

This provides a free letting line service where all members properties can be advertised.

Letting boards, rent books, and stationery, including an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, help members manage their property lettings.

Tenant Credit & Referencing

They keep a comprehensive database of Tenant Reference Information for members. This is registered under the Data Protection Act as per the legislation.

Code of Practice

The association subscribe to a nationally recognised code of practice. Members agree to abide by the charter to ensure good standards of service and provision within the private rented sector are maintained like:

•That all rights as set out in the tenancy agreement are adhered to.
•That communications with tenants should be accurate, unambiguous and concise.
•To ensure the tenancy agreement is concise and can be understood.
•To inspect properties at regular periods.
•To charge rents and other charges according to the law.
•To ensure members compliance with data protection
•To keep informed with developments in the law affecting tenants’ rights.
•To follow clear policies and procedures for handling tenant disputes.

The association website gives a good overview of who they are, what they do and offer.

You can contact them to determine the benefits they offer and the yearly membership costs. Alternatively, new prospective members can email them.

Overall the Darlington District Private Landlord’s Association is very well run and offers excellent service to local landlords.

The British Landlords Association is a free national landlords association. Why not join us for free!

British Landlords Association

Darlington District Private Landlord’s Association | Overview 2021