Landlords To Be Licensed

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 07:00

Landlords will have to have a licence to rent out their properties from next year.

The new rules will require landlords to apply for a licence every two years to ensure their properties meet minimum requirements.

A licence will last two years and cost £60.

States Members threw out proposals from scrutiny to exempt social housing providers from the charge.

The panel had called in the legislation for 'further examination' in July and came up with nine amendments.

These were later consolidated into two 'super amendments' after the Environment Minister said the previous amendments threw up problems which would've made it 'impossible' for the debate to go ahead.

After several failed versions of the proposals and numerous delays, politicians voted 37-9 on Tuesday (29 November) to support Deputy Jonathan Renouf's licensing scheme.

The decision has been welcomed by the Housing Minister and his predecessor, Reform Leader Deputy Sam Mezec.

Great job done by @JonathanRenouf and his team. A Government doing the right thing for Islanders
— David Warr (@WarrOnWords) November 28, 2023

Social justice charity Caritas has also praised the Environment Minister on social media.

Well done @StatesAssembly & esp the 37 members who voted in favour of the Rental Dwellings Licencing proposition!! Despite the last minute hijack attempt, the health & safety of the most vulnerable islanders has been prioritised by members. Congrats and thanks @JonathanRenouf
— Caritas Jersey CEO (@CaritasJsyCeo) November 28, 2023

A licence will be required for each individual home rented out.

Officers will be able to make random inspections.

There will be a four-phase approach to enforcement: 'engage, explain, encourage and enforce'.

Ultimately, there will be a mechanism for withdrawing a licence if the landlord fails to make improvements in the specified period, but this would be 'last resort'.

If a property has a licence application refused, not renewed or a licence is withdrawn, then it could not be rented out.

Renting out an unlicensed property would carry a fine of up to £10,000.

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