FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2010

Contact: Crystle Cowen, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.7324

The City of Portland, Bureau of Development Services is offering its Fall 2010 Landlord Training Program: Keeping Rental Property Safe and Free of Illegal Activity. These classes work to build on a foundation of partnership between property owners, tenants, and city agencies to create safe communities and residences. These Fall trainings are made available by funding received from the Portland Police Bureau.

The Bureau of Development Services partners with the Portland Police Bureau and other City offices to provide current, effective information on property management to ensure safe, crime free rental properties. Presentations are made by Housing Inspectors, Crime Prevention Specialists, and Police Bureau Neighborhood Response Team Officers. These City staff are also available at the trainings to answer attendees' questions. Useful information from other City Bureaus, government agencies, and non-profit organizations with an interest in the rental industry will also be available at the trainings.

Topics covered in the 8-hour training sessions include: property management to prevent crime or loss of investment value, best practices in applicant screening, signs of dishonest applicants, rental agreements, ongoing management and resident relations, crisis resolution/eviction, and partnering with police/crime prevention specialists/housing inspectors.

Facilitated by Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc., over 14,900 landlords have attended the City of Portland's program in the 20 years it has been offered. The City has received overwhelming positive responses from attendees. Landlords who have taken the course state they feel more confident in their ability to screen applicants, recognize signs of illegal activity, and take action or deal with problem tenant behaviors when they arise.

Over 550 cities and counties across the nation have adopted this program, and it has been nationally recognized through the U.S. Department of Justice for its unique benefits.

The classes are offered free of charge. At the end of each session attendees are provided a certificate that can be used for 8 hours credit for real estate continuing education. Attendance also is required for the Enhanced Safety Properties program through the Portland Police Bureau and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention.

Advanced registration for this free class is recommended and is available on our website www.portlandoregon.gov/bds use the quick link to Landlord Training. Day of class registration/sign-in starts at 8 a.m., class starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. and concludes by 5:00 p.m. Dates and locations for the four Fall 2010 Sessions;

Tuesday, October 19

Adventist Medical Center - Amphitheatre C

10123 SE Market St., 97216

Parking: On-site, no cost

Tri-Met: Bus Lines 15 or 27; MAX Green Line

Web: http://www.adventisthealthnw.com/AboutAMC_DirMaps.asp

Friday, October 22

Kaiser Permanente Town Hall - Ballroom

3704 N Interstate Ave., 97227

Parking: On-site, no cost

Tri-Met: MAX Yellow Line

Web: https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/kpweb/facilitydir/facility.do?id=100269&rop=KNW

Monday, November 8

Portland Building - Auditorium

1120 SW Fifth Avenue, 97204

Parking: Local lots for a fee

Tri-Met: All lines traveling Portland Mall

Saturday, November 13

University of Portland - Buckley Center Auditorium

5000 N. Willamette Blvd., 97203

Parking: On-site, no cost

Tri-Met: Bus Lines 35 & 44

Web: http://www.up.edu/about/default.aspx?cid=8307&pid=3177&gd=yes

Interested parties can get more information or register via the BDS website at

www.portlandoregon.gov/bds click on the quick link for Landlord Training. BDS will also send an information mailing targeted at rental property owners via U.S. Mail or email.

If you have questions, please contact Crystle Cowen, Neighborhood Inspections, at (503) 823-7324.