Housing

For information on Rental Accommodation

Rental Accommodation

Housing and co-habitation private Rental Accommodation - qualified

Either partner or both partners,must have housing qualifications to rent a private flat or house, butthe agreement with the landlord (the tenancy) must be in the name(s) of the qualified partner(s).

  • The occupier has exclusive use of the accommodation ie: the landlord doe sNOT have unrestricted access.
  • A landlord has no right to a key and locks may be changed
  • There is a fixed rental term ie: pay weekly, monthly payments and notice
  • Written leases are possible (before signing check the terms with Citizens Advice Bureau CAB)
  • Payment is made to the landlord and NOT to the owner of the property (unless the owner is the landlord).
  • The Housing Department should have approved the tenancy, following an application by the landlord.

Private rental accommodation - non qualified lodgings 

  • If neither partner has housing qualifications, the couple will only be able to occupy serviced accommodation or lodgings. Such accommodation can be occupied in single or joint names.
  • Lodgind must be registered with the Housing Department if there are 5 or more lodgers in the property which means they should comply with a Code of Practice (see Housing Website)
  • Lodgers have few rights in Jersey. there is no 'security of tenure', and a lodger can be asked to leave at any time.
  • Lodgers should expect to give and/or receive notice on the day rent is usually paid and for the period usually paid ie: weekly rent, one week's notice unless a longer period was agreed at the start.
  • If a lodger is asked to leave without notice, a refund of the unused portion of rent should be given.
  • There is no right to privacy, as the landlord has an unrestricted right of access to and use of the accommodation.
  • A lodger must receive 'services' eg. cleaning; linen; laundry from the landlord.
  • A lodger cannot have a lease although s/he can have a lodging agreement
  • If a lodger is unable to leave  and/or has big problems. Legal Aid should be sought immediately.

Sates Rental Accommodation 

It is unusual for the Housing Department to offer rental accommodation to couples unless they have children, are disabled or are pensioners.

It does not matter whether a couple with a child or children are married or unmarried as long as the mother has qualifications, as the Housing Department require the mother to sign the agreement.(to be the tenant).

An unmarried couple with a child or children where only the father has housing qualifications would not normally be housed, as only the father could be the tennant, and in the event of a separation, there would be a single man with a States tenancy.

The mother could not continue to be housed by the States. If neither partner has housing qualification then the couple would not be given States Housing.

An existing States Housing tenant may only move a partner in to live with him/her after seeking and being granted permission.

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