Landlords urged to help their tenants

Monday 23 March 2020

The Landlords' Association is advising against evictions, or chasing rents, for tenants financially affected by the outbreak of covid-19.

The group, which represents the views of those in the residential rental sector, is urging landlords to go easy, whilst many islanders’ lives are being badly disrupted.

Writing to Senator Sam Mézec, the Housing Minister, the Jersey Landlords Association’s Chairman Peter Lucas said that the group “is acutely aware there are going to be people that will be financially disadvantaged by the virus."

He continued: “We will be advising our members, and landlords more generally, to communicate with their tenants, so all parties can be aware of the challenges and mutual impact. 

“The JLA will be advising against evictions and chasing rents for tenants who have been financially affected by covid-19. Clearly any decision to defer rent or eviction requires a high level of trust, something that should not be forgotten or abused by tenants.”

Pictured: The Landlords' Association is advising against evictions and chasing rents for those financially impacted by the outbreak.

Mr Lucas also asked the Minister to, in the same vein, push for mortgage lenders “to be equally sympathetic” towards landlords who may struggle to make payments without their tenants’ rent coming in.

Bringing the letter to a close, Mr Lucas said: “We are anxious to hear from Minister about their proposals for Government assistance for tenants and landlords in the form of income support, rent support for tenants, and mortgage breaks for landlords.”