The Department of Social Care (DSC) has reviewed the Voluntary Landlord Registration Scheme following consultation and made some changes to reflect the comments received. The revised application form is now available on the Government website and Landlords are being encouraged to join the Scheme.
Background
In February 2013 the DSC went out to public consultation on the draft Landlord and Tenant (Private Housing) Bill – new legislation being brought forward by the Department to introduce mandatory registration of the Island’s private sector landlords and ensure basic minimum standards in the sector. At the same time the DSC launched the Voluntary Landlord Registration Scheme so that Landlords could understand how the Registration would work in practice.
The DSC has now received feedback from landlords who have already joined the Voluntary Scheme, through the public consultation on the draft Bill and via engagement with the newly formed Manx Landlords Association. As a result some changes have been made to the wording of the minimum standards and guidance to address queries raised and provide greater clarity for Landlords on the requirements of the Scheme.
Next steps
The Department will be taking the Landlord and Tenant (Private Housing) Bill through the Branches of Tynwald and following approval anticipates that registration will become mandatory from autumn 2014.
Until the new legislation is approved by Tynwald the Scheme remains voluntary. However Landlords can sign up to the Scheme at any point and their registration will last for three years and is automatically transferred to the mandatory Scheme under the new legislation. Registration is available at a discounted rate during this voluntary period.
Further information on the Scheme and updated documentation can be found here on the Government website:
www.gov.im/categories/home-and-neighbourhood/affordable-housing/the-voluntary-landlord-registration-scheme-2013/
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