Tenants protected from eviction

Wednesday 25 March 2020

No tenants will be evicted from their homes if they cannot make ends meet during the covid-19 pandemic, it has been confirmed.

Jersey’s Magistrate’s Court yesterday announced that it had taken the decision to adjourn all eviction cases before the Petty Debts Court as part of a package of measures in response to the pandemic.

The “compassionate” move was welcomed by Housing Minister, Senator Sam Mézec.  

He said he had received confirmation from the Jersey Landlords Association and several social housing providers that they would not be looking to oust tenants during the pandemic and were making alternative arrangements for rent collection and late payments.

However, he said there was still “more to do to give tenants protection in legislation”. 

Senator Mézec added that he hoped that, in the interim, tenants would enjoy “peace of mind” given that many have already seen their incomes reduce due to corona virus.  

Jersey’s Magistrate’s Court also announced yesterday that the court would from now on be closed to the public, and would be using videoconferencing facilities to process court cases.

Pictured: Jersey's Magistrate's Court has been closed to the public.

Officials explained: "The Court is currently reviewing all matters listed and will endeavour to make progress whenever possible.  Defendants who are bailed to appear before the criminal court in the coming weeks will be contacted either directly or via their Advocates letting them know any new hearing date.” 

They added that, in order to maintain principles of open justice, they are “actively working on” a way to publish details of the outcomes of criminal court cases online.