Jersey's Housing Minister plans to bring in long-term protection for tenants

Jersey's Housing Minister says he is looking at bringing in long-term measures to protect tenants from excessive price hikes.It comes after he was contacted by several tenants complaining that their landlords had announced price hikes of up to 80% from October, when the current rent freeze expires.Whilst he says he is not suggesting introducing rent control, he is considering other options- and he would like to bring them in sooner rather than later.

The rent freeze was brought in via temporary legislation in April to protect tenants from financial hardship, during the pandemic. That protection is due to expire at the end of September.The Landlords Association feel aggrieved by the accusations of excessive price hikes and concerned at the suggestion of further restrictions.They say Landlords on the whole have done their best to offer flexible arrangements during the crisis- and fear that more red tape will only make things worse.Not only have they been bound by the emergency legislation for the last few months, but they are also anticipating the introduction of a licence scheme which they say is another financial burden- which will ultimately push prices up.

The scheme, which aims to ensure minimum standards for rental accommodation, is due to be debated in September.