Around 40 private landlords and letting agents from across Arun in West Sussex gathered to toast the 15th anniversary of their Landlords Forum this month.

Glasses were raised and a celebratory cake in the shape of a house was cut by Arun’s Chairman-elect Cllr Dudley Wensley as he officially opened the Arun Landlords’ Forum meeting.

Presentations were made by Mike Stimpson, Chairman of the Southern Landlords’ Association, and Siobhan Cannon from the National Landlords’ Association at the event held at Arun Civic Centre.

Cllr Wensley said: “Arun District Council’s Landlords’ Forum aims to give landlords the chance to raise issues of concern and exchange views, as well as receiving regular updates from the Council.

“Through the improved communication that this Forum offers, relationships between the Council and landlords have improved greatly. Landlords have benefited from networking with fellow landlords and consultation and feedback from those attending the Forum has assisted the Council to adapt existing services and develop new ones.

“All of this has led to a much improved working relationship across a range of Council services who deal with landlords which has resulted in improvements in the private rented sector in Arun.

“It must not be forgotten that the Council often has a dual role in dealing with landlords, as a service provider and regulator. Better informed landlords providing a good standard of accommodation combined with a Council which is prepared to listen and, where appropriate, act on landlords’ concerns, has resulted in an improved private rented sector and less likelihood of regulatory powers needing to be enforced.”

“The Council recognises the important role that the private rented sector plays in providing accommodation in Arun and I sincerely hope that the improvements that have taken place over the previous 15 years will continue through the communication and shared understanding which the Forum meetings offer.”

Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Care, Cllr Robin Brown, who has responsibility for private sector housing, said: “We are proud to be celebrating our 15th year of supporting the private rented sector via the Forum.

“As a landlord, even if you feel you are fully up to date with all the laws relating to renting out property I would encourage you to attend the Forum just to see what we do.

“It’s a chance to share your views and hear stories from other landlords about their experiences which could be beneficial to you.”