Vote on Jersey Rental Reform Delayed

A planned vote on changes to Jersey’s rental tenancy laws has been postponed, following calls for more clarity on how the proposed reforms would alter the existing 2011 legislation.

Housing Minister Deputy Sam Mézec had brought forward a series of proposals aimed at strengthening the rights of tenants. Key measures included capping rent increases in line with inflation and reducing the use of fixed-term tenancy agreements.

The States Assembly was scheduled to vote on the reforms on Thursday afternoon but agreed to delay the decision until members had a clearer understanding of the legal impact of the changes.

A new date for the vote has not yet been set.

In the meantime, several amendments to Mézec’s original proposals were approved—among them, one that removes the proposed 5% cap on annual rent increases.

However, a separate amendment from Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache, which sought to scrap much of the reform package, was narrowly defeated by three votes. His "wrecking amendment" aimed to eliminate key components, including rent caps, the creation of a rent tribunal for appeals, and protections against retaliatory evictions.

The debate is expected to continue when the revised legislation returns for a final vote.