Renters and landlords to see more rights under new tenancy law

States Members have backed the Housing Minister's reforms, which modernises Jersey's Residential Tenancy Law.

Deputy Sam Mézec brought a raft of changes to the existing legislation, which he said were aimed at strengthening the rights of renters and landlords alike.

A series of amendments were lodged by his colleagues, some of which were defeated and others which were accepted or adopted during a States debate spread across several days this week.

Jersey's Housing Minister says he is pleased that a new version of the law has been agreed, which satisfies both sides.

"It helps decent tenants who need protection from being thrown out of their homes for no good reason, but at the same time, it doesn't do so by putting undue impositions on good landlords who just want to manage their properties fairly."

The agreed law does not include the Minister's proposed 5% rent increase cap or the potential for police intervention regarding nuisance tenants.

Rent increases will be limited to once a year, with two months' notice, and will not be allowed to be more than the rate of inflation (RPI).

However, landlords are being given more protections in the case that market prices fall or if there has been a major renovation of the property.

A rent tribunal will also be introduced for islanders to raise concerns about their current living situations and the relationships between landlords and tenants.

Deputy Rod Ward says this allows for disputes to be resolved fairly and thinks it is a 'really big' step forward.

"I think it's a positive thing.

"It's not anti-landlord."

The Housing Minister will be required to conduct a 'post implementation review' on changes to how periodic - or rolling - tenancies will work.

Under the new law, renters need to give a month's notice before ending a tenancy, and landlords must give three months' notice, with a reason.

If there is no reason for ending a tenancy, it increases to a year's notice.

Landlords will also be given more powers to take action against serious breaches of the contract with the tenant or for repeated nuisance.

Jersey's Chief Minister says the biggest risk to Jersey's economy is young islanders leaving to find more affordable homes elsewhere.

"An affordable, secure housing market is crucial to Jersey's economy.

"Affordable housing helps to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

"Economic stability, when residents have access to affordable and secure housing, they're more likely to spend money in the local economy, contributing towards economic growth.

"Providing affordable housing can reduce social inequality, ensuring that lower-income families have access to stable living conditions, which can lead to improved educational and health outcomes.

"Supporting local business, a stable population with stable housing supports local businesses, as residents are more likely to shop locally and engage with community activities.

"Secure and affordable housing, not just to buy but to rent, is a foundation element that supports economic growth and wellbeing."