Changes to the law around Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the need for Energy Performance Certifcates (EPCS) are both coming in.

Both matters will be discussed when the forum meets on 5 September from 4pm to 6pm at West Suffolk House in Bury St Edmunds.

The forum will also discuss the support available to help bring long standing empty homes back into use and the measures that have been put in place, including a guaranteed rent scheme, to mitigate against the possible impact of Universal Credit on landlords and their tenants.

Those attending the event will also be able to discuss when the need to keep homes warm during winter particularly for older or vulnerable tenants, and the support that can be accessed to help with this.

Cllr Sara Mildmay-White, West Suffolk councils Cabinet Member for Housing said: “We know that a great many of our local residents rent their homes and that one of the best ways that we can support them is by working with landlords. That is why we set up the forum at the beginning of this year.

“It offers somewhere where landlords can raise their concerns, ask about the support that is available to them or their tenants and get advice or updates on their own legal responsibilities to their tenants. It is also enable us to work more closely with landlords to try to ensure the availability and suitability of homes to meet the growing demand.”

The forum is free to attend, is open to all private landlords in the West Suffolk area, whether they own a large portfolio of properties or just one or two, and offers an opportunity for private landlords to meet, share knowledge and good practice.

Book your place by emailing landlords@westsuffolk.gov.uk