Should landlords need a licence in Jersey? Politicians debate introducing scheme

Flat to Let sign
Politicians are today (8 September) debating whether to introduce a scheme which would put landlords on a register, and regulate their properties on a yearly basis to make sure they meet minimum standards. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Politicians in Jersey are today (8 September) debating whether to introduce a scheme which would put landlords on a register.

It would be used to regulate their properties on a yearly basis to make sure they meet minimum standards.

Around four complaints a week have been made about the state of rented accommodation in the island since minimum standards were introduced. Environmental Health has heard 448 complaints since the law change in 2018 - with issues including things like damp, broken windows and a lack of working smoke detectors, hot water and toilets.

This is just one of the examples of poor accommodation in Jersey.

These figures are one of the main arguments for the introduction of a new Landlord Licensing Scheme being debated in the States this week. It would see all landlords put onto a register, a licence fee - of around £50 a year - brought in, and all properties being inspected on a yearly basis.

Those behind it say it will make sure existing laws are enforced.

Various meetings were held earlier this year to talk landlords through the potential changes. Credit: ITV Channel TV

While the group representing landlords agrees that good standards are essential, it says this is not the answer, as it will cause rents to go up and some landlords to be forced out of the market.

One of the things the Landlords' Association has been calling for is the introduction of a Tenants' Association - which was formed just a few months ago. Representing the island's estimated 15,000 renters, it wants to see the industry brought in line with other businesses.

As politicians get ready to make up their own minds, Jersey's Housing Minister says the debate has to be about more than just money.

  • WATCH Becky Lancashire's report...