PROPOSED rent reforms described as the “biggest overhaul” of residential tenancy legislation in over a decade are due to be debated at the States Assembly sitting beginning today.
Renters would be given the right to challenge “unlawful” rent increases by going to a Rent Tribunal, under plans lodged by Housing Minister Sam Mézec.
Rent increases would also be limited to the rate of inflation, capped at 5% and only be able to be made once a year, if the amendment to the Residential Tenancy Law (2011) is backed by the Assembly.
This legislation governs leases, landlords’ obligations to tenants, and how tenants can be evicted.
Deputy Mézec also wants longer notice periods and protection against no-fault evictions, with the proposed changes also aiming to improve notice provisions “so landlords can still regain possession of their property when they need to, but tenants cannot be kicked out of a property unfairly”.
The government has described the proposed changes as the “biggest overhaul” of residential tenancy legislation in over 10 years.
Politicians will also debate an amendment to the Housing Minister’s plans lodged by Deputy Philip Bailhache.
Deputy Bailhache has claimed that the measures are “unfair” for landlords, affecting their “right to ownership”.
The former Bailiff wants to remove caps on rent increases, the Rent Tribunal, limits on periodic tenancies, limits on evictions and civil penalties for landlords.
Plans to make Jersey’s territorial waters “safer for everyone” will also be debated at this week’s sitting.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has brought forward an amendment to the Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Regulations 2012, which is being done in conjunction with an update to the Island’s shipping legislation, to close gaps in maritime laws.
The changes would expand the definition of a “vessel” to include small watercraft used for leisure activities, including jet-skis.
And new offences would be created, including causing death or serious injury through careless operation of a ship or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, if the amendment is approved.
Meanwhile, a bid for a “meanwhile use” of the former Jersey Gas site will be voted on.
The site has been earmarked for a future town primary school but ahead of that Deputy David Warr wants to build new facilities for young people, including a “multi-activity hub”, an adventure playground and a “pump” cycle track, as part of an initiative dubbed The Play Collaborative.
This week’s sitting features several other propositions and the usual questions with notice period.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, Environment Minister Steve Luce and External Relations Minister Ian Gorst will also be quizzed by States Members during oral questions without notice on Tuesday.
