29 July 2015
A new report, published jointly by the Ministers for Housing and Health, sets out a package of measures for the next three years which will support more professional, effective and stable long term rental accommodation.
The report, called Rental Sector in Jersey: Proposed Policy Direction, has been presented to the States today (29 July) by Deputy Anne Pryke and Senator Andrew Green.
Nearly half of Island households live in rental accommodation. The report explains that standards of accommodation, and protection for landlords and tenants, are an important part of the Island’s social and economic future.
Change underway
Many of the proposals in the report are already underway, including:
- a scheme to manage tenant deposits - due to be launched in the autumn
- a new law to regulate social housing providers – to be lodged in the autumn
- a new law setting minimum standards for accommodation – to be lodged within the next 12 months
- a voluntary accreditation scheme for all landlords – due to be launched later in 2015
The Ministers are also considering a compulsory, and more streamlined licensing scheme for owners of houses in multiple occupation and greater security of tenure for their tenants.
They don’t support a system of rent control, as they think it would be likely to reduce the supply and standards of rental accommodation. They intend to explore other measures to provide stability in rents.
Stronger communities
In addition, a full housing strategy for Jersey will be released for public consultation later in 2015, outlining measures to improve housing supply, home ownership, and to create stronger communities.
Housing Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke said “It is important to encourage a strong and professional rental sector which provides affordable, good standard, secure accommodation for tenants, where both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities.
“The rental sector has been hugely improved in the last few years, with better security of tenure for all tenants. However there’s still work to do to strengthen areas where there is not enough legal protection and to eliminate duplication. We want to create a more streamlined and modern rental sector.”
Health and well-being
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Andrew Green said “Housing can make a significant contribution towards people’s health and well-being, so we need to do what we can to improve the standard of housing in Jersey. We want both landlords and tenants to know the standards a home should meet before it can be rented out, and to understand how it should be maintained.
“I’m confident that with a new law to establish minimum standards, plus additional measures being worked on by Environmental Health and the Strategic Housing Unit, we can ensure the rental sector makes a full contribution to meeting the Island’s housing needs; to meeting Island residents’ health needs; and to achieving our wider social aims.”
Deputy Pryke added “This package of measures supports a strategic vision for housing in Jersey. It sets a path for a better rental sector for the benefit of landlords and tenants.”
Download Rental Sector in Jersey: Proposed Policy Direction (226KB)
gov.je