08 September 2025
“The States Assembly are about to debate my proposed changes to the Residential Tenancy
(Jersey) Law 2011. If approved, these reforms will significantly strengthen the rights and
protections of both renters and landlords in Jersey.
Delivering greater confidence in the rental sector is a key commitment of the Government’s
Common Strategic Policy. I appreciate changes to how things are regulated can cause some
people to worry about how proposals might affect them.
Whilst I do not believe these concerns are well-founded, I have sought to engage constructively
with States Members’ amendments to ensure my proposals can be supported.
To this end, I have published my comments in response to proposed amendments, being clear
where I am prepared to accept compromise, and where I am not.
Specifically, I intend to accept Deputy Renouf’s amendment that will remove the proposed five
per cent cap on rent increases. I appreciate the five per cent cap has been a cause of concern.
Accepting this change will still provide tenants with enhanced protection from unfair rent
increases above RPI, through the proposed Rent Tribunal.
I am also incredibly grateful for Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel’s hard
work to review the Law, and through this, their agreement that my proposals are justified.
I will be supporting a number of these largely technical amendments, including Panel’s
amendment to allow landlords to end a periodic tenancy without giving a reason, provided they
give at least 12 months’ written notice.
I believe the Panel have presented a considered approach which will leave my policy objective
largely intact – striking a balance between a long period of notice, whilst offering landlords
more confidence that they will be able to regain their properties in all eventualities.
Unfortunately, despite this acquiescence, my proposals have continued to face
misrepresentation by vested interests, creating unnecessary worry. In reality, my proposals will
simply put good practice into law, whilst ensuring both tenants and landlords have clear
protections for when problems arise.
I cannot see how States Members could vote against the Draft Law when I am accepting
amendments that offer the reassurances they are seeking.
I hope by providing clarity on my position, as many States Members as possible will be able to
support these much-needed updates to our tenancy legislation, to give Islanders the
confidence and protection that they deserve in our rental market."
gov.je