21 July 2020
Mydeposits Jersey has been reappointed as the scheme administrator for the Island’s tenancy deposit scheme. This follows a competitive tender process launched in February this year to find a company to run the scheme on behalf of the Government of Jersey.
Mydeposits Jersey was first appointed when the tenancy deposit scheme started in November 2015. This latest reappointment takes effect from 31st October 2020 and will last for a maximum of five years – consisting of three years with an option to extend for a further two years depending on good performance.
The Minister for Children and Housing, Senator Sam Mézec, said: “I am entirely supportive of the Mydeposits Jersey tenancy deposit scheme and the protection it gives tenants and landlords, and am pleased to extend the agreement for a second time. The scheme provides an effective way to manage deposits, and to resolve any disputes between landlords and tenants.
“I will continue working to improve standards in Jersey’s rental sector and I am confident that Mydeposits Jersey will be a key partner in this work, as it has been since the scheme was launched in 2015.
“This has been true more than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak, when many tenants and landlords have been facing personal and financial hardship. It has been important that all parties take a responsible approach to managing tenancy issues. It is encouraging to know they will continue to have access to the certainty, support and protection provided by the Mydeposits Jersey scheme.”
The company has been reappointed based on good performance and the strength of its tender bid, including its commitment to strengthening support for landlord and tenants in Jersey’s rental market.
The CEO of mydeposits, Eddie Hooker, said: “We are incredibly proud that mydeposits has been reappointed as Jersey’s scheme administrator. This extension is a testament to the hard work and commitment the team has put in over the past few years to make the scheme a success.
“This decision by the Minister will enable us to continue investing in the scheme and enhancing the service we provide to our customers in Jersey, for example by running workshops and helping agents reduce disputes.”
The Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Jersey, Malcolm Ferey, said: “We are happy that mydeposits have had their contract extended. This will offer surety to both landlords and tenants that the scheme is operating successfully.
“We have seen the benefits of this protection since its inception and the problems associated with tenants getting their deposit back have reduced enormously.”
The scheme is part of the ongoing work to improve standards in Jersey’s rental sector. The Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law came into force in 2018 and the introduction of a landlord license scheme is being proposed by the Minister for Environment, which will be considered by the States Assembly in September 2020.
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