Proposed introduction of law to regulate tenancies should include the States
I AM just completing the questionnaire on the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. This is the second time I have spent an hour and a half trying to complete this form because the first time it didn’t save. One has to wonder who on earth designed and dreamt up this unwieldy document and how many people will lose the will to live and give up after the first few pages.
My main issue with this survey and the proposed introduction of legislation to regulate tenancies in Guernsey is that, by far, the biggest landlord on the island is the States of Guernsey and the information and survey on these proposals specifically states that the States of Guernsey will not be included.
How can this possibly be allowed? If protection for landlords and tenants is needed then any legislation should be across the board.
In the proposals, it is stated that a deposit protection scheme will be introduced. While, to our knowledge via the Guernsey Landlords Association there are very few disputes re deposits, we can understand why it is being discussed.
However, should a scheme be introduced it is vital that it be administered on island and the funds, which estimated could be in the region of £2m., must be administered and held on island. Guernsey has a wealth of expertise in financial matters and any interest accrued from the amounts being held could be used to help fund schemes for the homeless.
In regard to the proposal that the States produce a draft lease for use – this is completely surplus to requirements as the Guernsey Landlords Association already has one in use and available to anyone and is written in plain speak language for easy understanding. This, together with advice, is all freely given to anyone at no cost to the States.
In relation to deposits – the standard four weeks’ deposit, although sounding very high, in reality is not adequate as it is not that uncommon for tenants to default on paying the final month’s rent at the end of a lease which means there are no funds remaining to pay for any outstanding cleaning and damage etc.
I have sent this email to everyone as I am not convinced all deputies are fully aware of the situation.
JEAN BISHOP