MORE Islanders are now able to apply for social rented housing, as changes to eligibility criteria come into force yesterday.
The new rules, introduced by Housing Minister Sam Mézec, lower the minimum age for applicants without children from 25 to 18 year olds.
Applicants aged 18 to 24 must be financially independent and will receive tailored advice from the Housing Advice Service to help prepare them for a successful tenancy.
A new “general needs” band has also been introduced, allowing households seeking long-term affordability and housing stability to apply for social housing even if their income or savings are currently above the capped threshold, subject to availability.
The changes were announced in December as part of the Minister’s Addendum to the Roadmap for improving access to social housing and form part of a broader commitment to make the system more inclusive and responsive.
Other measures now in effect include removing restrictions on hardship cases, reducing the residency requirement for Entitled Islanders from six months to three, and introducing regular reviews of income thresholds and long-standing applications.
Those facing homelessness or urgent housing needs will continue to be prioritised.
Islanders can apply through the Affordable Housing Gateway on the Government of Jersey website.
