Constitution

1. Title

1.1. The name of the Association shall be Gateshead Private Landlords Association hereinafter called “the Association”

2. Aims

2.1. The Association is set up to promote the highest standard of conduct by members in order that the image and status of the private rented sector in Gateshead may be improved and advanced.
2.2. In furtherance of these aims, the Association may do all such lawful things as are necessary for the attainment of these goals.

3. Membership

3.1. Membership shall be open to any Individual, Company, Partnership or Agent who owns or manages private rented property in the Borough of Gateshead at the discretion of the elected Management Committee.
3.2. The decision to refuse membership lies with the Management Committee.
3.3. In the unlikely event that membership to the Association is turned down, a valid reason will be given on request from the applicant.
3.4. All members are entitled to vote.
3.5. All members shall read and agree to abide by the Associations Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure.
3.6. All information regarding members will not be passed on to any organisation outside of Gateshead Private Landlords Association without the members consent.

4. Officers

4.1. The Association shall have a Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer who will also form the Management Committee along with at least four other members to be elected annually by the AGM.
4.2. The elected Officers shall hold office for a minimum term of one year at the expiration of which they shall be eligible for re-election.
4.3. The elected Chair must have been an active member of the Management Committee for at least one year.

5. Management committee

5.1. The Management Committee shall consist of the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer and at least four or more members elected at the AGM. Outside bodies may be elected to the Management Committee with the agreement of other members of the Association.
5.2. The Management Committee may appoint sub committees as and when necessary
5.3. All such committees shall report to the Management Committee who shall devise their rules for working.

6. Meetings

6.1. There shall be 4 meetings held each year.

7. Annual general meeting of the membership

7.1. AGM will be held in April or as soon as practicable thereafter. At least 21 days’ prior notice shall be provided.
7.2. The Chair or Vice Chair shall preside at the AGM. In the absence of both, the members shall elect a Chair for that meeting.
7.3. A quorum shall be 20 members or 5% of the membership, whichever is the greater.
7.4. The business of the AGM shall include election of the Chair, Vice, Treasurer and Management Committee. Nominations for these posts must be submitted in writing prior to the meeting.
7.5. Each member of the Association present shall have one vote in connection with each motion put before the AGM. A resolution will require a simple majority. In the event of equal votes the Chair shall have the casting vote. All votes shall be taken by a show of hands unless the meeting resolves otherwise

8. Extraordinary general meeting

8.1. The Management Committee may call an extraordinary general meeting at any time. If at least ten members request such a meeting in writing stating the business to be considered, such a meeting shall be called. At least 21 days notice must be given. The notice shall state the business to be discussed.

9. Finance

9.1. Annual subscriptions shall fall due on 1st January.
9.2. The Management Committee shall set the annual subscriptions which shall be payable by members.
9.3. Membership shall be deemed to have lapsed should any member’s subscription not be paid within one month of that date, unless good reason be provided to the satisfaction of the Committee.
9.4. The Association’s accounts shall run from April to March.
9.5. All monies shall be administered by a relevant Officer of the Committeewho will pay incoming monies into a bank account in the name of the Association and shall arrange, in consultation with the Committee, for the proper investment of any available balance
9.6. Any withdrawals from the said bank shall be against the signatures of 2 nominated persons.

10. Alteration of constitution

10.1. The Constitution may be amended by the Management Committee to assist the betterment of the service to members.

11. Complaints & terminations

11.1. Complaints from tenants, other members, members of the public, the Police or the Council must be in writing and addressed to the Association.
11.2. They will be dealt with as outlined in the Gateshead Private Landlords Association’s Complaints and Disciplinary procedure.
11.3. The Committee is empowered to suspend or expel a member (following the Disciplinary Procedure) if the action of that member is found to be detrimental to the interest of the Association.

12. Dissolution of the Association

12.1. The Association may be dissolved only at the AGM or at a special meeting convened for the purpose of dissolution. The motion to dissolve must be carried by three quarters of members present and voting.
12.2. Before a vote for or against dissolution be taken, the meeting shall determine how the assets of the Association shall be disposed of in the event of the motion to dissolve being carried.