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Homes available to rent in Jersey will soon have to meet minimum standards, after the island's politicians agreed they should all come up to the 'Decent Homes Standard.'
The minimum standards will mean that landlords have to ensure all their rental properties are ‘Rent Safe': an existing accreditation scheme which gives potential tenants information about a home they might rent.
To meet Decent Homes Standard, landlords will have to ensure they meet minimum safety standards for housing, have reasonably modern facilities and services, in a reasonable state of repair. They will also have to make sure the homes are well insulated and equipped with efficient heating, to make sure tenants do not spend more than they should on heating.
Deputy Steve Luce, the Minister for the Environment, said: "This is a long overdue change. For years, people have expressed concern about the awful conditions that some of our most vulnerable Island residents and their children have had to endure.
"Under this proposed law, we will work in partnership with landlords and tenants to ensure that every rental property will, in due course, meet the basic minimum standards that any modern, developed economy should be able to offer, and that no child in Jersey will grow up in a poorly insulated, leaking or even dangerous home."
Deputy Anne Pryke, the Minister for Housing, said: "Everyone in Jersey must have access to affordable, good quality and secure housing, but our laws in this area have lagged behind other places. This law is a significant step in the right direction – setting and enforcing minimum health and safety standards in the rented sector so that people can be assured their home is in good repair."
Senator Andrew Green, the Health and Social Services Minister, said: "The cost of poor quality housing to our community and our health service is immense. The ability to license rented accommodation will help to promote high standards, and professionally managed accommodation which will play a significant part in helping people to lead safe and healthy lives."
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