Local landlords are working together to deal with issues related to housing management.

The Austin Area Landlords' Association had its first official meeting Monday to release information on the group and sign up members.

Immediate goals include creating a Web site with a link from the Austin Chamber of Commerce Web site, setting up programs with area professionals speaking on issues related to housing management and making a code of ethics.

The Web site is an important project for the group. Vice President Dawn Taylor said there are plans to work with technology students from Riverland Community College to create the site.

"Typically, young people transferred to jobs are used to getting on the Web and looking for apartments," Taylor said. "Right now we don't have one."

Educating landlords is also going to be a focus. She hopes to arrange speeches from people in the police and fire departments, the Housing and Redevelopment Association and other areas related to housing issues.

"As a group we can get more knowledge than we could individually," Taylor said.

The code of ethics, she said, will incorporate current Fair Housing Laws with other aspects such as tenant confidentiality and honest referrals.

The organization has been meeting informally for about two months. Taylor said there have been about 15 regular attendees, but sometimes the group gets as large as 30.

She said any manager is welcome to join.

"We think there's strength in numbers," Taylor said. "Whether you're managing three units or 300 units, everyone is welcome."

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com