Landlords will soon need a licence for every Jersey home they rent out

From August, it will become illegal in Jersey to rent out a home without a licence.

Landlords will need a permit for each property.

An online application process will open on 1 May.  The licences will cost £60 each and last for two years.

Politicians approved the Rental Dwelling Licensing Scheme last November, in an effort to improve the standard of accommodation.

During the initial three months, landlords will be able to obtain a licence without their property or properties being inspected beforehand.

After 1 August though, an inspection might be required before a licence is granted.

Ahead of the application process opening, a new Landlords’ Toolkit has gone live  explaining the guidance.

Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce says it should not be burdensome for landlords.

"It will, however, allow us to work more closely with landlords to take corrective action when hazards exist or minimum standards aren’t being met, giving us more opportunities to protect Islanders and enhance rented homes.

“This is about the health and safety of tenants and ensuring the homes Islanders live in meet certain standards. We know there are many good landlords in Jersey, but there are also too many tenants having to live in mouldy properties, or perhaps homes where the fire alarm doesn’t work, or where the staircases simply aren’t safe to climb.

“We’ve published the Code of Practice and summary of the guidance so everyone can see the standards we expect to see in Jersey’s rented homes. The team have also explained in the documentation how some of the potential hazards can best be tackled.”

A series of events are being held next week for Islanders requiring more information about the application process, the required minimum standards and prescribed hazards.

Information Events

• 23 April 2024 – 6pm – St Clement Parish Hall

• 24 April 2024 – 2pm – Salvation Army, Minden Place

• 25 April 2024 – 6pm – St Brelade Parish Hall