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 is offered three times each year. The class takes place 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.