Industry Petition Calls for Regulation of Flat Management Firms in Jersey

A petition launched by a Jersey estate agency is calling on the government to introduce formal regulation of companies responsible for managing blocks of flats.

Gaudin & Co, which operates within the property sector, has started the campaign urging ministers to bring in statutory oversight for block property management firms. The company says the current lack of regulation is contributing to falling housing standards and putting residents at risk.

At present, there are no legal requirements governing who can act as a property manager or letting agent, or who can set up a property management business on the island.

Andy Truscott, Gaudin & Co’s head of property management, said the absence of rules had led to widespread problems across apartment complexes. He has said the firm is frequently brought in to take over sites with long-standing issues that have not been properly addressed

In some cases, he said residents have been faced with sudden and significant costs, including emergency payments of up to £10,000, to cover essential works.

Mr Truscott said problems ranged from neglected maintenance and poor appearance to more serious concerns, such as outdated fire safety systems.

He said ineffective management was leaving communal areas in disrepair and creating risks for those living in the buildings.

“It’s something we’ve seen repeatedly over many years,” he said, adding that poor standards can cause real harm to residential communities.

The petition is calling for compulsory licensing and professional standards for property management companies, clearer and fairer financial practices, stronger enforcement powers, improved residents’ rights, and access to an independent dispute resolution process.

Since going live, the petition has attracted 157 signatures. It will require 1,000 supporters to trigger a formal response from a government minister.