Government to clarify details in renting report

Jersey Landlord Association said it was in consultation with the Housing and Nuisance Team over its code of practice

Three presentations will be held to explain a recent report by the Jersey government after it was criticised.

The Jersey Landlord Association (JLA) said it had been "disappointed" by the code of practice published by the Housing and Nuisance team in April, claiming it was "difficult to read" and not useful to landlords or tenants.

It said landlords needed "clear guidance" on how health and safety fits in with building bylaws, planning and historic building legislation, and policy.

A government spokesperson said the team was in "active consultation" with JLA about the publication of an improved code and it had tailored the meetings to its requests.

'Still in the dark'

The JLA said the code of practice had been "a missed opportunity to educate landlords and tenants... and to come up with some really good guidance for rented dwellings in Jersey".

"What this means is that many landlords and tenants are still in the dark about the details of the standards expected from a rented dwelling," it said.

JLA chairman Guy Morris said landlords and tenants were unsure of their "rights and duties under public health and safety legislation".

"Only when everyone involved in the private-rented sector understands what is expected of them can we really ensure that rented homes are brought up to standard."

The presentations are set to take place on 19 September and 9 October at the Town Hall and 13 November at St Brelade Parish Hall.