A letting agent has launched a question and answer session so landlords and tenants can seek advice and guidance. KERRY ANN EUSTICE finds out what they want to know.

A letting agent is hoping to launch a regular question and answer session for landlords and tenants so they have a place they can seek information on issues relating to the rental market and provide a forum where they can network and share advice and experiences.

Ashton Burkinshaw in Chislehurst held a pilot session at an open day at the branch last month.

Lloyd Porter, franchisee of the Chislehurst branch said the event was a great success and with more than 30 people attending.

He felt the session gave an interesting insight into the areas and issues landlords and tenants are currently finding confusing.

Lloyd said: "I had some great feedback. In our visitor book a new landlord who was interested in starting out in lettings felt the Q and A session was a good idea and the information he received was concise and straightforward."

The main issue of concern was the new legislation about Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO). He says many landlords are worried and confused about the new licensing rules surrounding HMOs.

Lloyd said: "I think this is because the coverage and advertising for HMOs has not been very good. All landlords are running scared, thinking if they don't get a license they are going to get a £20,000 fine.

"There are a range of definitions for HMOs and it is confusing. A house or flat which is let to three of more tenants forming two or more households but which shares a kitchen, bathroom or toilet is just one of many categories. And depending on the number of tenants a property can go in and out of being classed as a HMO."

Lloyd advises contacting the council regarding this issue.

He was surprised to hear some people explain they thought just being a landlord meant a licence was needed.

Landords also asked about the best ways into the lettings market.

"People came to us for advice on starting out. My advice is to first consider the location and then get the right property for the right area.

"For example, in Chislehurst if I had 20 three-bedroom houses they would rent immediately as they are a prime requirement in this area.

Orpington and Swanley, however, are regulated by cost."

One landlord came along to the session asking for a professional opinion. He was interested in buying nine properties within one Orpington development.

So Lloyd went along and viewed them and although for him it was the ideal scenario - having a large number of properties, in one place, belonging to a single client, he said he personally wouldn't go for it because he did not feel the development was of a good enough quality nor did it have the potential to deliver worthwhile rental returns.

As a landlord himself, Lloyd knew what to look for and as an agent he did not want to ill-advise a client.

"I'd like to make these open days a regular feature, so people can come in and ask questions. I am also keen to promote other renting opportunities and schemes - such as taking on council tenants - and the security measures landlords can access."

For information, email chislehurst@ashtonburkinshaw.co.uk