Cost of new laws 'will see landlords sell up'

Jeff Guilbert says four or five landlords a month are already selling their property

New laws brought in to make rental homes "safer" in Guernsey will prompt landlords to sell their properties, the chairman of the Guernsey Landlords Association says.

Jeff Guilbert said four or five landlords a month were already leaving the industry and the cost of complying with the new laws could prompt others to follow.

"The bottom line is we're all running a business and, at the moment, our target area is 6% gross, but it's getting less and less."

The legislation is part of work being carried out to tackle Guernsey's "significant housing pressures".

The Housing Standards laws were designed to ensure rental homes are safe and fit for purpose.

The law states the minimum standards for rental accommodation should ensure buildings are structurally sound and comply with fire safety requirements as well as providing safe drinking water.

Landlords will be required to ensure electrical installations are tested every five years and oil and gas installations are checked annually.

"Guernsey is a high cost for rental and that's reflected because of the high cost of property," said Mr Guilbert.

"All these things, if we have to implement them, are just going to push the cost up."

Mr Guilbert said he worried about the "availability of people to carry out the checks".

He said he felt private landlords were being unfairly targeted.

"It technically applies to the private owner-occupier. I don't think any checks will be done on them."