Earlier this week, the JEP revealed that new laws are being prepared to combat poor standards in Jersey’s rental sector.
Proposals include granting ministers the ability to order landlords to repair properties, the introduction of a compulsory landlords’ register and new minimum standards on the quality of housing.
The Rent Safe voluntary accreditation scheme was also launched earlier this month, under which properties are inspected and three to five star ratings of the landlord published online and, now, Housing Minister Ann Pryke has delegated more power to the Environmental Health Department to investigate and prosecute landlords, if they are considered to be mismanaging a property. Guilty property owners could face fines of up to £2,000.
