The Government of Jersey introduced new regulations for the private rented sector which came into effect on the 10 April and will last until the end of September and the Government is encouraging people not to move house and ‘stay-put’.
New regulations
- Tenants cannot be evicted for failing to pay rent or other bills if they are facing financial hardship because of Coronavirus.
- Landlords cannot increase rent, even if a landlord notified tenants of a rent increase before lockdown.
- Tenants can extend their tenancies if they are due to end before 1 October 2020. Any fixed-term tenancy that is due to end before that date may continue as another fixed-term tenancy or periodic tenancy.
If tenants are struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19, which could include a loss of a job, ill-health, or a reduction in working hours and salary, they need to write to their landlord with proof. Communication can then be opened up to agree the best course of action as after the regulations end landlords will be able to evict tenants for missing rent as normal.
This Law aims to ensure that Islanders facing financial hardship are neither left without a home, or find they need to move homes during the outbreak. With housing costs in Jersey being so high, and so many people working reduced or no hours at all, we need to offer all the support we can.
