In the social housing arena they are commonly treated as pariahs, careless of the condition and management of their properties, the antisocial behaviour of their tenants, or their role in the stigmatisation of communities.

Yet only a minority of landlords fit this stereotype.

Most are ordinary residents, shop owners or local business people, and they fill an important gap in housing provision, especially for those with little power in the marketplace.

Schemes to eradicate homelessness, or to renew and regenerate neighbourhoods, will fall short of their full potential if they exclude private rented housing.

Recognising that action must be taken to tackle problems in the private rented sector, the government is encouraging accreditation, licensing, training and tenancy deposit schemes.

Some RSLs and local authorities have been working with private landlords, and have developed local strategies which could provide useful models for other areas.

Landlords themselves, through their professional bodies, are seeking to increase the commitment and professionalism of the private rented sector, and to spread good practice.

This seminar offers a unique opportunity for both public and private sector landlords to find out how they can work together more effectively and overcome mutual prejudice.

It will look at ongoing work nationwide to improve the condition and management of privately rented homes, and examine ways in which private landlords can improve their image and reputation and become more involved in regeneration and renewal.

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