Petition calls for regulation of property management firms

Monday, 5 January 2026 09:30

A petition - from within the industry - is urging Jersey's government to regulate companies that manage blocks of flats.

Estate agents Gaudin & Co has started a petition, asking Ministers to bring in statutory oversight of block property management companies.

It says the lack of regulation is creating a 'declining housing quality' that is unsafe and unfair.

Currently, there are no rules for who can become a property manager or letting agent, or start a property management company.

Andy Truscott, Gaudin & Co's Head of Property Management says that needs to change.

He told Channel 103 the decision to create the petition has been prompted by the firm regularly taking over responsibility for apartment complexes that have 'historical issues' that have not been addressed.

In some cases, that has meant having to make emergency cash calls to residents, sometimes for as much as £10,000.

He says examples have included maintenance and repairs and aesthetic upkeep, but also rectifying outdated fire safety measures.

"We've been dealing with this for many years now, and it's an ongoing issue.

"Communal areas are going unrepaired. There's poor management which causes detriment and harm to residential communities really. It puts them at greater risk."

The petition is calling for mandatory licensing and professional standards for block property management companies; transparent financial practices and fair fees and pricing controls; stronger accountability and enforcement; improves residents' right and an accessible and independent dispute resolution process.

The petition, which has drawn 157 supporters in its first few days online, needs 1,000 signatures to get a Ministerial response.