Jersey Approves Major Overhaul of Rental Rules After Heated Debate
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Sep 13
- 1 min read
Jersey’s parliament has signed off on a package of reforms to the island’s rental laws following a lengthy three-day debate in the States Assembly.
The measures, put forward by H
ousing Minister Deputy Sam Mézec, are aimed at strengthening protections for renters. Key elements include tying rent rises to inflation and curbing the widespread use of fixed-term tenancy agreements.
The amended proposal passed with 31 votes in favour, 13 against, and one abstention.
Originally scheduled for decision earlier in the week, the final vote was postponed after members put forward a series of amendments. One such change — the removal of a proposed 5% rent cap — won unanimous support across the chamber.
On Thursday, the Assembly also rejected a rival amendment tabled by Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache, which would have stripped away most of the planned reforms. His proposal sought to abolish rent controls altogether, scrap tenant tribunals, and water down protections against unfair or retaliatory evictions.
That amendment was narrowly defeated by just three votes, clearing the way for the government’s reform package to move forward.
