Jersey minister takes aim at no-fault evictions

Deputy Sam Mézec also proposed a new law for tenants

Rent stabilisation and "protection against no-fault evictions" are among proposals for a new residential tenancy law in Jersey.

The plan, unveiled by Housing Minister Deputy Sam Mézec, limits rent increases to one a year.

He said the plan would be "the bedrock for a thriving rental sector", whilst "balancing the rights of landlords".

Mr Mézec said the housing crisis posed an "existential threat to future prosperity".

His plan includes an initial fixed-term arrangement for tenants, with a longer minimum notice period for long-standing tenants, as well as a clause enabling landlords to take "swifter action" against tenants in "serious breach of their tenancy agreement".

The law also outlines measures for landlords to take 'swifter action' for serious tenancy agreement breaches.

This would include a "comprehensive set of reasons" allowing landlords to issue notice to "reclaim their properties", he added.

He also outlined a new housing tribunal for tenants and landlords to resolve disputes.

Mr Mézec said Storm Ciarán had highlighted the need for greater clarity on the "responsibilities and liabilities" when rental accommodation was "rendered uninhabitable".

He said: "Jersey has a housing crisis which is deeply affecting our community.

"Renters in particular have faced great difficulties, compounded by out-of-date laws which fail to provide them with security of tenure and protection from excessive rent increases."

He said drawing up the law had been an "urgent priority", and added: "A modern and fit-for-purpose framework will go a huge way to alleviating this aspect of the housing crisis."

Mr Mézec said he hoped to see the law in force by 2025.

He said there were "other areas" to be looked at, including obligations of landlord-employers and social housing regulation, but these could be addressed through secondary legislation.

Taking aim at his predecessors, Mr Mézec said an earlier public consultation had "lacked focus" and vowed to engage with stakeholders "in a focused way".

In May 2023, an attempt to limit rent increases was rejected by Jersey's States Assembly.

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