Solihull council hosts free fraud and rental reform forum for agents and landlords

Solihull council hosts free fraud and rental reform forum for agents and landlords

Solihull Landlord Forum offers free advice on rental reform and fraud prevention for local landlords and letting agents on October 8. The event aims to support compliance and share best practice in the private rented sector.

Solihull Borough Council is organising a free forum on October 8 for private landlords and letting agents operating in the area. The event will focus on tackling reference fraud, legislative updates related to rental reform, and council support for responsible landlords.

The forum provides an opportunity for landlords managing any number of properties, as well as those considering entering the sector, to engage directly with council representatives and industry experts. It aims to improve awareness of regulatory changes and practical measures to combat tenancy fraud, a growing concern in the sector.

Details of the Solihull Landlord Forum event

The session will feature a presentation from Ferndown Estates on reference fraud, a significant issue affecting letting agents and landlords alike. Additionally, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) will provide updates on recent legislative reforms impacting the private rented sector.

Solihull Council emphasises the important role private landlords play in meeting local housing needs and their commitment to supporting landlords through information sharing and engagement. The forum also offers a networking platform for landlords to discuss challenges and best practices with peers and council officers.

Registration for the event is open to agents and landlords via the council’s website. The council encourages attendance from landlords with portfolios of all sizes, including those new to the sector, reflecting the broad relevance of the topics covered.

Context of rental reform and fraud concerns for landlords

The private rented sector in England continues to undergo significant regulatory change, with recent reforms aimed at improving tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. The Renters’ Rights Act and other legislative measures have introduced new compliance requirements, making awareness and education critical for landlords and agents.

Reference fraud remains a persistent problem, where false or misleading information is provided to secure tenancies. This can lead to financial losses and legal complications for landlords. Forums like Solihull’s are part of a wider effort to equip landlords with the knowledge and tools to identify and prevent fraud.

Local authorities increasingly recognise the need to work collaboratively with landlords and agents to uphold standards and ensure safe, secure housing. Such events also reflect the growing expectation for landlords to stay informed about evolving legal obligations.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords, attending the forum can provide clarity on how recent rental reforms affect their legal duties, including safety standards, tenancy agreements, and possession procedures. Understanding these changes helps reduce the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.

Letting agents benefit from insights into fraud prevention strategies, which are crucial for protecting client interests and maintaining professional standards. The event also offers a chance to build relationships with council officers who may be involved in licensing and enforcement activities.

Networking with other landlords and agents can reveal practical approaches to managing properties under the new regulatory framework, including sharing experiences with tenant referencing and dispute resolution.

What landlords and agents should consider now

Landlords and agents in Solihull and surrounding areas should consider registering for the forum to stay current with legislative updates and fraud prevention techniques. Early engagement with council resources can ease the transition to new compliance requirements.

Reviewing tenancy referencing processes and ensuring robust checks are in place is advisable to mitigate fraud risks. Keeping abreast of local authority initiatives and support mechanisms also helps landlords demonstrate due diligence.

Those managing portfolios should assess their documentation and procedures in light of recent reforms, ensuring they align with best practices discussed at the event. This proactive approach can safeguard investments and tenant relationships.

Supporting landlords through TLA membership and resources

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to a range of compliance resources and practical guidance relevant to the issues covered at the Solihull forum. Through TLA membership, landlords and agents can benefit from up-to-date information on rental reform legislation and fraud prevention.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords organise property records, monitor compliance activities, and maintain evidence of due diligence. Features under development include document management and a property management AI assistant, which can assist with tenancy referencing and regulatory checks.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can complement attendance at local forums by providing ongoing support and tools to manage the increasing complexity of rental sector compliance.

Landlords and agents should continue to monitor official guidance and local authority communications to remain informed about future regulatory developments and support opportunities.

Sources: Letting Agent Today