Landlord Training

Classes provide valuable tips for those who own, manage rental property

The City of Raleigh encourages rental property owners and managers, real estate agents, lawyers and others who deal with rental issues to attend its Landlord Training Program.

The one-day class will be offered three times in 2012: March 14, May 23 and Oct. 10. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Raleigh Housing Authority's Multi-Purpose Community Room at 971 Harp St.

Lawyers who take the class are eligible for six hours of continuing education credits from the North Carolina State Bar. Real estate agents receive four credit hours from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Registration is $25, which covers the cost of training, manuals and lunch. (Lawyers seeking continuing education credits pay $175.)

The course covers such topics as screening rental applicants, strengthening rental agreements and taking legal steps to resolve problems. It also addresses the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, known as Section 8, and the role of the city Police, Inspections and Community Services departments.

Participants receive tips on reducing the likelihood of nuisance violations and drug, gang and illegal activity around rental property. They also learn about the City's Rental Dwelling Registration and Probationary Rental Occupancy Permit (PROP) ordinances.

Dena Daniels, who manages a large apartment complex in Raleigh, says the class is worthwhile for every property manager. "If you are anyone from a newbie to an experienced person, this one-day class is a good investment for your dollars," she says.

Janet Howard, who owns several duplexes in southeast Raleigh, is among those who have benefited from the class. "It was more engaging than I had anticipated," she says. "It's informative, and I like the fact that it highlights the important parts" of managing property.

Instruction is provided by the Police, Inspections and Community Services departments, City Attorney's Office, Triangle Apartment Association, Blue Ridge Properties Corporation, Raleigh Housing Authority and Hatch, Little & Bunn LLP.