Calls for rental deposit scheme to be set up in Guernsey

Ali Marquis from Citizens Advice Guernsey
Ali Marquis says the organisation received 20 separate enquiries from islanders who were either homeless or about to lose their home in the first quarter of 2021. Credit: Citizens Advice Guernsey

Citizens Advice Guernsey is calling for the introduction of a rental deposit scheme after an increase in the number of islanders needing their help.

Such schemes have been in place in the UK since 2007 and Jersey since 2015.

They ensure that the money tenants pay to landlords is held securely and returned in a smooth transition.

Citizens Advice Guernsey received 20 separate enquiries from individuals who were either homeless or about to lose their home in the first quarter of 2021.

The organisation gives free, confidential and impartial advice on any subject to 4,000 islanders each year, which is around eight percent of Guernsey's adult population.