Jersey States Approves Major Changes to Rental Laws After Heated Debate

From the start, the debate split the Assembly. Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache of St Clement tabled what he himself admitted was a “wrecking amendment,” arguing that the Minister’s plan was “deeply flawed” and would make the housing crisis worse by over-regulating landlords. He accused the proposals of treating landlords like potential criminals and warned they would add a “morass of rules and regulations” to the system.

Others disagreed. Deputy Jonathan Renouf called rejecting the principles outright “a huge kick in the teeth” for islanders who had long demanded change. Constable David Johnson said voting against the reforms would show “a lack of respect for the electorate.”

The Assembly eventually voted 29–19 to support the principles of Mézec’s plan, but the battle was far from over.

Amendments and Paperwork Hiccups

The second day of debate was interrupted when Members complained they couldn’t follow the details without an updated version of the law that included all the amendments. Business paused while staff prepared fresh copies, highlighting just how complex the reforms had become.

Still, progress continued. Deputy Renouf put forward an amendment to scrap the proposed 5% cap on rent increases, replacing it with a rule that rents could only rise in line with inflation. Any request for an increase above inflation would need to go before a rent tribunal. Mézec accepted this change, and Members voted unanimously in favour.

The Assembly also agreed to remove a controversial requirement that a police officer or States employee be present if a landlord wanted to evict a tenant for serious or repeated nuisance. This was after concerns were raised about pressure on police resources.

Not all amendments passed. Deputy Moz Scott tried to alter Bailhache’s “wrecking amendment,” but her effort was heavily defeated. Meanwhile, the Scrutiny Panel, led by Deputy Hilary Jeune, succeeded in making some changes aimed at making the law clearer and more balanced. Jeune reminded Members that “tenants need greater security, transparency and fairness, while landlords want confidence and clarity if they are to continue to keep providing homes.”

Division in the Chamber

The debate revealed sharp divisions, not only between Members but even within the Council of Ministers. Six Ministers – including External Relations Minister Ian Gorst and Health Minister Tom Binet – voted against Mézec’s proposals.

Some Members warned the law could backfire. Deputy Barbara Ward said the changes would add “hoops and bureaucracy” for landlords, causing “long-term pain for short-sighted gain.” She also feared a “risk to our economy” if landlords pulled out of the rental market. Deputy Moz Scott added that the reforms might “reduce confidence” and shrink the housing supply.

Others strongly supported the reforms. Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham opposed Bailhache’s attempt to block the proposals, warning it would “stop the original proposition in its tracks.” Deputy Catherine Curtis went further, saying that such tactics “don’t seem honest” and risk undermining trust in the Assembly.

Final Outcome

After several days of debate, delays, and knife-edge votes, Members finally reached a conclusion. In the last session, the Assembly voted 31–13 in favour of the law, with one abstention.

In his closing remarks, Mézec said he was pleased with the outcome and committed to working with Members to make sure the law is implemented fairly.

“We have landed on a package that works,” he said. “If this law is adopted, I will do everything I can to make it work. There are still bits that will need to come to the Assembly, and I will engage with Members and Scrutiny to get that right.”

What the Law Means

The new law, once fully adopted, will:

• Extend notice periods for tenants.

• Limit how often rent can be increased.

• Tie rent increases to inflation, with higher rises needing approval from a rent tribunal.

• Provide clearer rules to protect both tenants and landlords.

While some fear the changes could discourage landlords and reduce the number of rental properties, others see them as a vital step to addressing Jersey’s housing challenges.

For now, one thing is clear: this debate has exposed deep divisions over how best to fix the island’s housing system. But it has also shown that after years of discussion, the States has taken a firm step toward change.

Andy Truscott, Head of Property Management, Gaudin & Co