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Gillian Martindale reports
Jersey should have a tenant deposit scheme next year.
The Privy Council approved the law in November, but the regulations are still being finalised.
Housing Minister, Deputy Andrew Green, is hoping the States can debate the proposals early next year, with a law in place to protect tenants' deposits by the summer.
In Jersey 48% of the population are renters. But when it is time to move on there is no legislation to protect tenant deposits, or force landlords to return the money.
That, say Deputy Geoff Southern, is the biggest single cause of complaints made to the Citizens' Advice Bureau.
"Time and time again there are debates about tenants deposits, and they can be substantial sums of money, a £1,000, £1,500 in some cases, and when that happens they are prevented from moving on because they need their deposit back in order to secure their next accommodation," says the St Helier No 2 Deputy.
Deputy Southern says it is vital that non- qualified residents are covered by the new law.
The housing minister hopes the policy will be in place by the middle of next year.
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Posted By: Maggie on 19-Dec-2011
I agree! I have paid deposit before I have receive contract between myself and my future landlord! Unfortunately the contract which I got after paid £1300 deposit has been completely different that face to face agreement! So I decided not to move to new accommodation cos I lost trust to landlord after reading unreasonable and against the low contract! When I went to citizien for advaice has been told that I have no chance to get my money back .... After months of fighting only with the landlord as the court would take more stress and more money I got back only £835 out of my £1300. What is really interested about it is a fact that I paid deposit straight away the day after I met landlord but i was not moving into the flat until next 1,5 month. As there was someone else occupied and the day after I have paid deposit I received a contract which was completely wrong as I have mentioned above. So I don't understand where are my rights here! yes I was stupid to trust and paid quickly as I didn't wanted to loose nice accommodation! Yes I have learn the lesson but some nusty landlord has take illegally money from my pocket and I couldn't do anything even the whole situation was done in 4 days! So yes some regulation should be done! I have paid my tax from £1300 which I have paid but the landlord who taken them from me for unreasonable excuses called" administration" didn't !
Posted By: Postman Plod on 19-Dec-2011
The housing minister hopes the policy will be in place by the middle of next year.
That means 2015 after every effort by the rich landlords to delay it further.
Posted By: M4G on 18-Dec-2011
I rent & I keep the house very clean & tidy. If my deposit is not returned when I move on, I tell you this. the damage left will far outway the size of deposit. so if you're a landlord reading this piece & thinking about ripping your tenant off. don't do it unless you want a very heavy bill. and yes I am smart enough to do it after I go.
Posted By: S.L.M on 18-Dec-2011
Nice to see this come in! I over the years have lost money due to these money grabbing folk not handing back deposits when i have had the property nicely cleaned and on one occasion the property was left in better condition than when i first moved in and still no deposit given back, a disgrace! Can't believe it taken so long!
Posted By: @SOceanOfficial St.Helier on 18-Dec-2011
This has been going on as long as Ive been here getting on for 28 years,and its about time that a sxysytem such as this is put in place to sxafeguard all concerned,I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE CHIEF MINISTER AND THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS,?This has been a on going problem,why do you have a problem?thats easy some landlords play by their own rules,as do tenants/lodgers! for all concerned on all levels money is not easy to come by and every penny counts,those people who mistrreat accommodation of course they so pay for any damage,however depending on their circumstances they might nit have enough to be able to move! I am sure that this could help as with this money help by the States,their could also be a helping hand available if a person/son incurr paying for damage out of their deposit so the landlord is nit out oif pocket? well worth thinking about Dep Green? and maybe add my suggestion as an addtional item linked to the issues,? Good Luck Stevie
Posted By: dave/stclement on 18-Dec-2011
here's some hates , no children or pets , non smoker.
should i be in a position to offer a home for rent , i will welcome children and pets and smokers , however trashing the place , fixtures and fittings is not on , as is never cleaning the place .
and yes it should be the same for qualls / non quals .
Posted By: The Old Git on 18-Dec-2011
I totall agree with the law being changed, and it's not before time.
The names and a picture of those theiving landlords should be published to bring it to the attention of everyone and their friends (assuming they have any).
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18/12/2011
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