A York lettings agency will show any unscrupulous property owners the door - and it is launching a "charm school" for landlords.

Andrew Graham, who heads a Belvoir Lettings franchise at Tower House, Fishergate, says that only landlords who meet strictly laid-down criteria will go on his books.

What is more, a training scheme for franchisees from Belvoir Lettings' head office in Grantham includes "charm school" advice to landlords on how to resolve issues with their tenants amicably.

Mr Graham said: "These days tenants expect, quite rightly, higher standards. They expect modern fixtures and fittings plus a high standard of service. We act as a middleman to ensure that both the landlord and tenant fulfil their legal obligations.

"If we don't think a landlord will meet those standards, we won't take him or her on as a client."

Belvoir has set up a new, intensive two-week induction programme which stresses to franchisees the importance of selecting only landlords who meet a strictly -laid-down set of criteria.

New franchise bosses are also taught how to school property owners in their legal responsibilities and in settling differences with tenants.

Mike Goddard, Belvoir's chief executive, said that his 80-branch lettings group was leading the campaign to update the industry's image which had been tarnished for decades by unprincipled landlords ripping off unsuspecting tenants.

"We have introduced a strict vetting procedure which begins when someone applies to become an owner of a Belvoir franchisee. Out of 2,000 inquiries annually, only one per cent succeeds," he said.

He wants the same clear guidelines on selecting potential landlords and tenants - and giving landlords advice, set a benchmark for the whole of the industry.

"Our new training scheme aims to send out a clear message nationally that the notorious Rachman-style landlords of yesteryear do not have a place in 21st century Britain. We want landlords to understand their responsibilities."

Updated: 09:59 Monday, December 22, 2003