Stricter rules for rental properties being considered by Port Royal Town Council have some property owners and managers concerned.

The ordinance, which has been granted initial approval, is intended to cut down on nuisance properties and make owners and managers more responsible, town manager Van Willis has said.

To that end, it requires a property manager be available to respond in person to address issues. The owner can serve as the manager, if they are available to can take care of daily concerns.

Units must be registered with the town, and registration fees may be decided by council via a resolution, according to the ordinance.

Rental properties would also have a point system for problems such as noise violations, improper parking, disorderly conduct and unsanitary conditions. If too many points are accumulated, the business license for the property could be suspended for a year.

"My problem with this is homeowners who rent their homes are being singled out from homeowners who occupy their homes," said Susan Trogdon with Bundy Appraisal & Management, which has more than 100 rental units in the town.

The ordinance passed on first reading Jan. 9. Council is scheduled have a public hearing Feb. 6 and a second and final vote Feb. 14.

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