ISLANDERS are being asked to share their views on proposed changes to Jersey’s rental laws which have been described as the “biggest overhaul” of legislation in over a decade.
Housing Minister Sam Mézec has put forward changes to Jersey’s Residential Tenancy Law aiming to “balance the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords and introduce more clarity”.
The new rules, if approved by the States Assembly this summer, would stop landlords from raising rent more than once a year, limit rent increases at the rate of inflation (RPI) and cap them at 5%, and allow tenants to challenge unfair rent hikes through a new Rent Tribunal.
The proposed reforms, which were described by the government as the “biggest overhaul” of residential tenancy legislation in over 10 years, also limit the use of short fixed-term contracts and extend notice periods for tenants.
The Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel is now examining the plans to ensure they achieve their goals without harming the wider housing market.
The panel, chaired by Deputy Hilary Jeune, will hold public hearings with landlords, estate agents and tenants, and compare the proposals to similar laws elsewhere.
Deputy Hilary Jeune said: “While the aims of the amendments appear on the surface to be a positive change for tenants, it is important that we fully consider their impact and whether the changes achieve their aim of providing more security for tenants without having unintended consequences on the housing market.
“We are keen to speak to all representative organisations with an interest but would also very much like to hear from tenants and individuals about how they think the changes will affect them.”
Islanders can have their say by emailing: scrutiny@gov.je
