There were 140 responses – including 67 from landlords and 10 from letting agents - to a public consultation on legislation to improve standards in the private rented sector.
The proposed Landlord and Tenant (Private Housing) Bill would create a centralised register of private sector housing landlords ensuring that they, and their properties, meet a set of minimum standards.
Some 61 per cent of respondents to the consultation, 52 in total, said the Bill was fair to tenants but just over half said it was not fair to landlords.
Critics said the Bill would mean more bureaucracy, fines were excessive, registration fees too high and there was no protection for landlords from poor tenants. They argued government should also introduce a tenant register and landlords should be able to decide who they rent their properties to,
But there was overwhelming support for the principle that landlords and their dwellings should comply with minimum standards.
Stephen Moore, spokesman for the Manx Landlords’ Association, said he was disappointed with the low number of responses, given there are some 7,000 landlords in the island.
He said: ‘We would say the figures clearly demonstrate there is no need for new legislation - the current legislation is working well. The number of unfit properties is reducing.
‘A lot of landlords are starting to experience difficulties in finding tenants and some are reducing their rents. It’s disappointing that in an economic slump the government wants to place a bigger burden on landlords.’
But he added: ‘We’ve had meetings with representatives of the department and we are trying to come to a common accord before it comes to Tynwald.’
Following a review of the voluntary registration scheme, the Department of Social Care says it will change the wording of the minimum standards and the application form to ensure it is clear and simple to complete.
Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw said: ‘The consultation produced a good response.
‘Respondents showed strong support for landlords and their dwellings complying with minimum standards. Although, concerns were raised that the legislation may create additional bureaucracy for landlords. This legislation is not about creating another layer of bureaucracy. I recognise there have been some unfounded concerns around how the legislation will operate but I’m confident the report provides adequate detail to address those concerns.’
