A training programme which aims to help landlords improve and maintain properties and their property management skills will launch at the end of the month.

It will be run by Landlord Accreditation Scotland in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.

The aim of the partnership is to support private landlords with information and training so they can operate to the highest management standards, benefiting both landlords and tenants.

Landlords from throughout the north-east are invited to sign-up for a series of training sessions which aim to promote best practice in the private rented sector.

Aberdeenshire Council's Woodhill House headquarters will host the first of three training sessions during the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, January 27.

Landlords who attend the session, priced at £25 per delegate, will receive information on 'Property Condition and Property Management.'

Gurudeo Saluja, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Social Work and Housing Committee, has encouraged as many landlords as possible to attend.

"The opening session is the first of three core standards training programmes which will be held in 2009," he said.

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"The programmes cover issues relating to property and tenancy management and are designed to ensure landlords are operating to the highest management practices throughout the region."

Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS) is a national initiative for landlords and letting agents.

Membership is free to individual landlords, who must confirm that they comply with the partnership's required standards.

To become accredited, landlords and letting agents must adhere to the 'Scottish Core Standards for Accredited Landlords', relating to property management and the physical condition of their properties.

To retain accredited status landlords must attend at least one training session each year.

Benefits include a variety of landlord services such as: discounted legal, accountancy and insurance services; access to a network of trades including electricians and gas engineers; and discounts from national furniture, furnishing and white goods providers.

Training sessions on Tuesday, January 27 will run from 1:30pm - 4pm and 6.30pm - 9pm.

Fees are £25 for accredited landlords and £35 for non-accredited landlords.

Members of both the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) or the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) can register for the training free of charge.

Places are limited to 20 for each session and allocated on a first come first served basis, so early booking is essential.

To book please visit the Landlord Accreditation Scotland website: www.landlordaccreditationscotland.com/event.aspx?Id=17

When booking, please include your LAS membership number in your email. Invoices for training will be issued by return on receipt of your email.

If you are a member of SAL or the SRPBA please include your membership number to ensure that you are not charged for the training session. Alternatively, contact the LAS office on 0131 553 2211 to book.

(GK/JM)