Rent Safe Scheme To Stay Voluntary

An attempt to make it legally mandatory for all landlords to register with the Jersey Rent Safe Scheme has failed.

The scheme currently shows the more than 2,000 properties that meet accredited minimum standards required for 3, 4, or 5 stars.

Senator Kristina Moore, who lodged the proposition, said making it compulsory would promote the application of minimum standards and make it easier for tenants to know the standard of property they are renting.

"Standards such as having an electrical certificate and then those that are given the higher star ratings also have greater energy efficiency standards which their tenants can obviously benefit from."

If the proposition was successful, landlords would have had to be accredited under the scheme to rent out properties.

A new law came into force in 2018 to enforce the requirement for rental properties to meet a set of minimum standards.

The Environment Minister has made three attempts during this term of office to introduce a landlord licencing scheme.

The latest was rejected in July 2021.

Deputy John Young voted against Senator Moore's proposition.

He claimed it would be overly burdensome, especially compared to the schemes he's brought forward.

"If we adopt a scheme which is over-bureaucratic, involves very very high costs, then the risks are of course we turn off existing landlords, we will deter new landlords and I would be very keen not to do that.

That is why every proposal that I've brought to the assembly before is based on the least intervention and the least bureaucracy necessary.

What we're now discussing is much more intrusive, much more likely to adversely affect the availability of rental properties."

He was supported by the Housing and Communities Minister.

Deputy Russell Labey said it was a badge of honour for a landlord to do it voluntarily - and if it became mandatory, that would go away.

"When I saw the proposition pop up in my inbox, I wondered if Senator Moore was onto an interesting, good thing here.

But the fantastic Environmental Health team, who really know their stuff in this area, were absolutely horrified.

As explained to me, this will not do what we want a landlord's register to do."

A frustrated Deputy Rob Ward described the situation as 'groundhog day' and claimed the Environment Minister 'kowtowed' to the lobbying groups and political representatives at the heart of government. He later apologised for using that remark and withdrew it.

Senator Tracey Vallois said she'd lost a great deal of trust in the government when it came to implementing States Assembly decisions and the Chief Minister said while the proposition was well-intended, it would lead to 'significant and negative unintended consequences.'

Deputy Kirsten Morel said he wants the government to know where all rental properties are, but he doesn't want millions of pounds of taxpayers money 'inspecting properties needlessly.'

Despite passionate speeches calling for the government to do more to make sure everyone in Jersey has a home to live in that meets minimum standards, the proposition was rejected by 26 votes to 20.