Training sessions are being aimed at teaching private landlords in one London borough the rules and responsibilities when it comes to renting properties.

Around 20 landlords attended the first one-day event to hear about everything from legal expectations and how to set up a tenancy, to repair and maintenance, safety certifications, and the laws around houses in multiple occupations.

The course, run by the London Landlords Accreditation Scheme, is available to any current or prospective private landlord in Barking and Dagenham.

In September 2019, Barking and Dagenham council became the first in the country to obtain a borough-wide licensing scheme, which requires all landlords to have a licence to privately rent properties. The cost for new applicants is £900.

A council spokesperson says: “The privately rented sector has an important role to place in our borough, but everyone deserves a decent and safe home, which is why we have the licensing scheme in the first place.

“We want to root out rogue landlords and make sure those who are putting profit ahead of people are pulled up on their behaviour.

“By hosting these training days, we’re inviting landlords new and old, to come and learn the latest rules and responsibilities expected of being a good owner. It’s a short, but insightful day and it will outline a landlords ambition to be recognised as a responsible individual.”

Figures suggest around a quarter of all housing in the borough is privately rented with more than 14,000 private landlord licences currently issued by the council.

Further sessions in Barking and Dagenham are planned for March, May, July, September, and November, although more dates are available across London.