New law sets out tenants' rights

A new law will set out the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords

New housing laws have been approved by Jersey's States, in the first steps to reforming some island housing issues.

The new law explains the rights that tenants have and the responsibilities landlords hold.

The Residential Tenancy Law also sets out court processes if a contract is breached and the protocol for evictions.

"I am delighted that the States have adopted this law," said Assistant Housing Minister, Deputy Sean Power.

Qualified tenants

"It is a major new piece of social policy legislation that will benefit all those in the rental sector."

The law does not establish a Tenants Deposit Scheme which would ensure deposits are returned to tenants at the end of their agreement.

It will initially only apply to those who are qualified to lease property, but once the Migration Law is adopted it will be extended to people in the unqualified sector.

Under Jersey law people can only rent or buy qualified property after they have lived in the island for 13 years.

The new law is expected to come into force once it has received UK Privy Council assent.