Jersey’s biggest overhaul of residential tenancy law in more than a decade will come into force next month, with the island’s new rent tribunal now appointed by the States Assembly.
Housing Minister Sam Mézec has signed the commencement order bringing the Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Amendment Law 2025 into force on 15 April 2026, introducing new protections and clearer rules for both landlords and tenants.
The changes also create a Rent Tribunal, which will give tenants an independent way to challenge rent increases during a tenancy.
States Members unanimously approved the tribunal’s membership yesterday, appointing Rose Colley as chair, alongside Jonathon Barham and Tim Hart as deputy chairs, and eight panel members who will hear cases relating to rent increases.
The tribunal will begin operating once the amended law comes into force and members have taken the required oath before the Royal Court.
Under the legislation, the tribunal will sit within the Judicial Greffier’s Tribunal Service and will have exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether rent increases comply with the law.
Its role will be narrowly focused on deciding applications brought by tenants, including whether a landlord has increased rent more than once within a year, has given at least two months’ written notice, or exceeded the statutory limit for rent increases.
If the tribunal finds a proposed increase breaches the rules, it can rule that the rise has no effect or set a lower increase that complies with the law.
Deputy Mézec said the reforms represented a “major milestone in improving security, clarity and fairness for thousands of islanders who rent their homes”.
“Alongside the legislation coming into force, I am pleased that we are publishing clear and comprehensive guidance, as well as a new model tenancy agreement that reflects the updated requirements,” he added.
“These resources will help landlords and tenants prepare for the changes and ensure the transition to the new system is smooth and well understood.”
Two public engagement sessions are planned to help islanders understand the reforms before they take effect.
An in-person event at St Helier Town Hall will take place on Wednesday 1 April from 6pm to 7pm, followed by an online webinar on Thursday 2 April at the same time.
Both events will allow landlords, tenants and other stakeholders to put questions directly to the minister and officials.