Landlords are being encouraged to work with a local council “to give families a stable home, improve the quality of properties and benefit by having access to a dedicated service.”

Dorset council’s Landlord Local Authority Partnership recognises what it calls “responsible landlords who manage good quality accommodation and maintain their properties to a good standard.”

The partnership is free to join and landlords are offered training, regular information updates including advice on their statutory responsibilities, changing laws and guidance. 

It can also lead to a 10 per cent reduction in some fees including licences for HMOs.

Landlords are offered a trained team of staff to answer questions and queries, as well as a dedicated newsletter.

Short videos are also available to landlords explaining how they can improve the energy efficiency of their properties ahead of changes to the Minimum Energy Efficient Standards Regulations which are aimed at improving rental property to energy rating C by 2030.

Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, portfolio holder for housing and community safety, says: “The government is driving towards good quality, safe, well maintained, energy efficient housing with a high EPC rating.

“By working in partnership with the council, landlords will have access to good quality, up to date information, coming from the government as well as how to avoid pitfalls.

“There can also be other benefits to landlords as well as knowing they have helped a family create a stable home which is safe and energy efficient.”