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Proposed licensing regulations for rented dwellings to be examined

​The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel is to review the proposed licensing regulations for rented dwellings in Jersey.  The Panel will review the proposals alongside the feedback received during the recent Government-led public consultation.

On 1st October 2019, the Minister for the Environment lodged P.106/2019 – Draft Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations 201- for debate in the States.  The proposed regulations come following the adoption of the Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 2018 which introduced minimum standards for rented dwellings aimed at improving the condition of properties across the rented sector.  Within this law, provision was made for regulations to be brought forward to license rented dwellings.  The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel’s review will examine the proposed licensing regulations to assess what impact they might have on tenants and landlords.

Connétable Mike Jackson, Chairman of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, commented:
"There is no doubt that the underlying principle of enforcing measures to raise the standard and condition of rented dwellings in Jersey is to be welcomed and encouraged.  However, our review will investigate whether the proposed licensing of these measures is fair and proportionate, what impact it might have on tenants and landlords, as well as any potential unintended consequences."

The Panel will write to identified stakeholders, including the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Children and Housing, in order to gather evidence relevant to its inquiry.  Members of the public are also invited to make a submission and can do so by sending their submission to the States Greffe, Morier House, Halkett Place, St Helier, JE1 1DD or to scrutiny@gov.je. You can find out more about the proposals, the review and submit your views here