A "dilemma" for Guernsey landlords

Friday 20 December 2019

A deposit protection scheme and minimum housing standards could be among changes to Guernsey's housing law, if proposals are approved next year.

The Committee for Environment and Infrastructure has been looking into the current law and how it could better protect tenants as well as landlords and property owners.

Earlier this year, it launched a consultation with groups that might be affected, including States committees, housing providers, charities and representatives from the construction industry.

It received 37 responses in total, some of which highlighted concerns with the plans.

Pictured: E&I President Deputy Barry Brehaut.

A number of respondents supported the introduction of minimum housing standards, with a positive response from Guernsey Police and the Fire Service in particular. The standards would aim to ensure people are protected from dangerous structural elements of the building, as well as installations inside.

It was noted that the current Housing Health and Safety Rating System is outdated and should be replaced with a modern model which is bespoke to the island.

However, some are worried the upgrades could cause landlords to increase their rent, and have suggested the States offer a financial incentive.

"There is a dilemma in wanting to put up living standard to a minimum acceptable level but not increase the rents for low income people," one respondent said.

Other landlords commented that it was unfair how the proposals implied they were responsible for their tenants' poor health.

Pictured: Some landlords raised concerns about the plans.

Another proposal which divided opinion was the introduction of a deposit protection scheme. It was called for by some members of the public last year when a local estate agent closed without warning.

 A "diverse group of respondents" were positive about the scheme, which would be similar to the model used in Jersey. But a "significant number" of landlords were opposed, saying it was discriminatory against them.

"If a scheme is to be set up, any deposit of any nature should be covered by the scheme and, by law, businesses should be forced to use it," one respondent said. "it should not form part of a housing standards law."

Other topics raised included the possible registration of the private rental sector and the licensing of multi-occupation houses.

E&I plans to review a revised report early next year before taking its draft proposals to the States in the spring.

The full report is available to read here.