A FIRST-of-its-kind report looking at the standards of rental accommodation in the Island has been released – with hundreds of hazards identified and damp and mould identified as the biggest issues following inspections of homes.
The Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwelling report, published this week, evaluates the first year of the Rented Dwelling Licensing Scheme – a landlord licensing scheme which was rolled out last year.
The document detailed how 18,044 rental properties – in both the social and private sector – have now been licensed under the new framework requiring landlords to adhere to health and safety guidance in their rented properties.
After being accepted onto the scheme, all “Rent Safe” accredited properties became subject to inspections under the Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 2018.
The report highlighted that 203 inspections were carried out – some random and others complaint driven.
Most properties (60%) were found to contain no hazards for tenants but some were found to be severely lacking.
Of the 82 properties inspected that were identified to contain hazards, mould and damp growth were the most frequently found hazards.
Excess cold, fire hazards and electrical hazards were also recorded.
There were 115 “reactive” inspections – triggered by tenant complaints – resulting in the identification of 748 hazards in total.
The report also revealed that the licensing scheme generated more than £1 million in its first year, with £166,560 repaid in refunds to landlords for the £60 fee to obtain a Rent Safe licence.
Welcoming the release of the report, Environment Minister Steve Luce said that the first year of rental licensing has “set a strong foundation for the future”.
He said: “I’m pleased to see over 18,000 rented properties now licensed and a clear demonstration of landlord responsibility across the Island,” he said.
“Most rental homes are being well maintained, which speaks to the shared commitment we all have to improving housing quality,” Deputy Luce added.
“This scheme is helping us raise standards while targeting interventions where they’re needed most.”
