Property maintenance biggest concern for renters

Citizens Advice Guernsey recorded 20% more complaints regarding maintenance and repairs in its 2024 report compared to its 2021 report

Inadequate maintenance and repairs is the biggest concern among private renters, according to Citizens Advice Guernsey (CAG).

A 2024 report conducted by the organisation analysed complaints raised by 76 private renters between 2022 and 2023.

It found 54% had accused their landlord of failing to take action or that they delayed repairs when an issue was raised.

Overall, CAG received 20% more complaints about inadequate maintenance and repairs from private renters compared to its 2021 report (34%).

As well as inadequate maintenance and repairs, private renters in Guernsey also sought advice from CAG about damp and mould (43%) and water damage (28%).

In 13 cases, water damage was seen to be caused by poor maintenance of the structure of the property, allowing water ingress through the roof, windows or doors.

And vermin (mice and/or rats) had been an issue for 10% of private renters.

Human habitation

The report comes after private tenants were granted more protections to deal with bad landlords under new legislation by the States of Guernsey.

In March, deputies approved a draft law by the Environment and Infrastructure Committee (E&I) to create a new Director of Housing Standards.

It also proposed giving the committee the power to pass regulations on hazards and minimum standards of homes.

E&I President Lindsay de Sausmarez said: "More than a quarter of households live in our private rental sector and this legislation will ensure that all of those individuals and families can exercise their right to live in a home that is fit for human habitation."

'Sledgehammer to crack a nut'

Jeff Guilbert, chair of the Guernsey Landlords' Association, said the group "broadly supported" anything that would make things easier for landlords and tenants.

However, he said the group felt any changes in the law needed to be proportionate for the problem in hand.

Mr Guilbert said: "I think most people acknowledge in the island that the majority of landlords run a good operation.

"But, like in all things, there is a small percentage that don't adhere in the way that they should."

He added the association believed the new laws felt a bit over the top.

"The new legislation is a bit draconian and a sledgehammer to crack a nut," Mr Guilbert said.