DOZENS of local landlords recently enjoyed a factfinding event organised by North Ayrshire Council in partnership with East and South Ayrshire Council.

Over 160 delegates from across Ayrshire were at the Greenwood Conference Centre to learn more about the changes that will contribute to the biggest overhaul in the rented sector for 30 years.

The key note speakers were John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, who talked about the introduction of the new tenancy regime, and also Elspeth Boyle, Chief Executive of Landlord Accreditation Scotland, who discussed the upcoming Letting Agent regulations.

The group then had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops where there was lots of discussion around the full roll-out of Universal Credit this month as well as forthcoming tax reforms.

Tenancy Deposits and the Housing and Property Chamber Tribunals were also hot topics.

Throughout the course of the day it was stressed just how important private landlords are as a housing provider, not just in Ayrshire but across Scotland.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “It’s great to see such a well-attended event. We appreciate the valuable work of landlords and partners operating in the private sector. I am confident that this annual event will continue to build on this success year on year.”

If you would like any more information on future events or changes to the private rental sector, call North Ayrshire Council’s Private Sector Advice Team on (01294) 324644 or email psadvice@north-ayrshire. gov.uk