Learning how to be a successful landlord is the theme of a new series of UK courses from the Residential Landlords Association.

Training specialists will conduct the three-month update programme on creating and managing a tenancy - visiting London, Birmingham, Leeds, Blackpool and Bury.

The one-day, £70 sessions (non members £90), including buffet and refreshments, aim to increase professionalism in the modern generation of private sector residential landlords by sharing ‘best practice’ information in light of the new Housing Act which took effect in April.

“The amount of basic legislation that landlords need to be aware of changes so quickly, and becomes so complicated, that’s it’s essential to be as well-informed and up-to-date as possible,” says Chris Town, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association, whose members own over 100,000 private rented properties throughout the UK.

“The course is run by a member of the RLA helpline advice panel, which brings reality to the course content - and the benefits are felt by both landlords and tenants. For landlords, the seminar helps profitability by flagging up pitfalls that can cost thousands of pounds worth of needless expense.

“Relationships with tenants improve as landlords become better qualified and more skilful with higher standards and greater professional knowledge of obligations and social responsibilities. That can only offer greater protection for tenants.”

The update course - described as “landlords talking to landlords about practical day-to-day situations” - covers a wide range of issues including tenancy types, sitting tenants, company lets, contractual tenancies, licenses, tenancy agreements, possession, unlawful eviction, damages and harassment.

The updates sessions are at:

London - Tuesday 26th September and Thursday 5th October 2006
The Lucas Arms - 245A Grays Inn Road, Kings Cross, London. WC1X 8QY
Start time: 11.00am prompt. Approximate end time - 4.00pm

Birmingham - Wednesday 11th October 2006
The Portland Hotel - Hagley Road, Edgbaston. B16 9LQ (Wessex Suite)
Start Time: 9.30am for 10.00am. Approximate end time: 4.00pm

Leeds - Tuesday 10th October 2006
The Allerton, Nursery Lane, Leeds. LS17 7HW
Start Time: 9.30am for 10.00am. Approximate end time: 4.00pm

Blackpool - Wednesday 18th October 2006
In conjunction with Blackpool Council - £70.00 for accredited landlords)
The Solaris Centre, Harrowside, New South Parade, Blackpool. FY4 1RW
Start Time: 9.30am for 10.00am. Approximate end time: 4.00pm

Bury - Wednesday 15th November 2006
In conjunction with Bury Metro
Radcliffe Civic Suite, Thomas Street, Radcliffe. M26 2UH
Start Time: 9.00am for 9.30am. Approximate end time: 3.30pm

For bookings call the RLA on 0845 666 5000 or click here