Tenant and landlord rights

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Rules on tenancy agreements

From 15 April 2026, the Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Amendment Law 2025 comes into effect.

This means that new rules will apply to:

• all new residential tenancy agreements agreed on or after 15 April 2026
• all periodic tenancies already in place​ on that date. This includes when​ a fixed term has ended, the tenant is still living ​in the property and the landlord continues to accept rent

This amendment law changes the Residential Tenancy (Je​rsey) Law 2011​.

​Fixed‑term agreements made before 15 April 2026 will continue under the previous 2011 law until the end of their fixed term. The amended law will apply if they enter a new agreement or the fixed term ends and the tenant continues to live in the property and the landlord continues to accept rent. 

The amended law only applies to self-contained accommodation, including bedsits and studio flats. These must have a:

• kitchen or kitchenette
  
• toilet
• bath or shower
• washbasin
  
• place to sleep

It allows tenancies to be let on either:​

• a periodic basis, such as week‑to‑week or month‑to‑month
  
• an initial fixed term of up to 3 years, which then becomes a periodic tenancy if it continues
  

Find guidance below on the law and tenancy agreements.

Guidance for the Residential Tenancy Law

​​Model Residential Tenancy Agreement

Model Residential Tenancy Agreement (editable word template)

Accompanying guidance for the Model Residential Tenancy Agreement

If you have any questions or feedback email housingmatters@gov.je.​​​

​Your rights as a tenant​

Under the amended law, you have the right to:

• receive a signed tenancy agreement at the start of the tenancy
  
• receive receipts for any deposit paid, including amount and date
  
• enjoy the property without the landlord interfering unreasonably
  
• live in a property that is properly insured by the landlord
  
• if the property becomes uninhabitable and it’s not your fault, you only need to pay a fair amount of rent, including if the landlord gives you alternative accommodation​
  
• benefit from rent stabilisation rules, which make sure rents only increase in a fair, lawful way and follow the correct process​
  
• challenge rent increases at the Rent Tribunal​
  
• have clear notice requirements, including at least 1 month's notice when a periodic tenancy is ended
  
• be given a valid reason if the tenancy is ended, unless the law allows a no‑reason notice
  

Your responsibilities as a landlord

As a landlord you must make sure that you support all tenants rights.

You also have specific responsibilities, including to:

• give tenants a signed copy of the tenancy agreement
  
• provide a receipt for any deposit paid, including amount and date
  
• ensure the property is adequately insured
  
• meet statutory notice requirements when ending a tenancy
  
• follow the rules on rent increases, including providing written notice and meeting rent‑stabilisation limits where applicable
  
• complete a condition report within 7 days of the tenant agreeing to live in the property
  

You may be fined if you don't provide key documents or meet statutory requirements.

Existing tenancy agreements

You don't need to replace an existing tenancy agreement immediately:

• periodic tenancies automatically fall under the amended law from the start date
• fixed term tenancies continue on their current terms until the fixed term ends. A new agreement will be needed if the tenancy continues 
  

New tenancy agreements

​​​​​All new tenancy agreements agreed on or after 15 April 2026 must be:

• ​in writing
  
• signed by both parties
• include all mandatory information
  

The agreement must include the:

• description of the self‑contained residential unit that clearly identifies the property
  
• start date of the residential tenancy
  
• end date of the tenancy, if it is a fixed‑term agreement
  
• name and address, or business address, of the landlord or managing agent
  
• rent amount and frequency of payment, in line with the rent stabilisation rules
  
• name of the person rent is paid to
• how the rent is to be paid
  
• details of any deposit or guarantee, including how and when it'll be repaid
  
• inventory of the landlord's contents, if applicable
  

It must not include any:

• obligation for the tenant to buy fixtures, fittings or furniture
  
• obligation for the tenant to pay a premium or key money
  
• restrictions on the tenant fixing or removing items from walls, provided any damage is repaired
  
• provisions allowing the landlord to unreasonably withhold or delay consent where the tenancy agreement requires a tenant to obtain the landlord's permission to do something
  

Rent Tribunal and proposed rent increases

​​The Rent Tribunal is an independent body. It looks at challenges to proposed rent increases under the amended Law. 

The Tribunal can only decide whether a rent increase is lawful. It cannot deal with: 

• eviction or notice to end a tenancy
• the property's condition
• environmental health concerns
• deposits or fees
• general complaints about landlord conduct

An application may be made only if: 

• the tenancy is covered by the law, and 
• the required time limits are met

The Tribunal becomes involved only if a tenant applies. 

Before an application is submitted, tenants should talk to their landlord about their concerns. Many issues can be resolved through early discussion, without going to the Tribunal. 

If an application is accepted, the Tribunal may decide the case with or without a hearing. It will issue a written decision explaining the reasons. 

For questions about how the Rent Tribunal works or how to apply, contact renttribunal@courts.je​. 

Giving notice to end a tenancy agreement