New residential tenancy law to come to Jersey in next month

The Minister for Housing has signed an order to bring Jersey’s updated residential tenancy law into force from 15 April 2026, delivering the most significant changes to the sector in over a decade. 

Deputy Sam Mézec signed the Ministerial Decision for the Residential Tenancy Amendment (Jersey) Commencement Order 2026, enacting the Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Amendment Law 2025. 

The updated law introduces a simpler tenancy framework, limiting agreements to either an initial term of up to three years or a periodic (ongoing) tenancy. It also strengthens tenant protections, including longer notice periods and greater security for those in periodic agreements, where landlords will now need to give 12 months’ notice to end a tenancy without cause. 

Clearer rules have been set for ending tenancies in specific circumstances, such as sale, renovation, or serious breaches, alongside defined notice periods. Rent increases will be restricted to once every 12 months, with at least two months’ notice, and will generally be capped in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI). 

A new independent Rent Tribunal will be established, providing tenants with a route to challenge rent increases. 

The law also places stronger obligations on landlords to provide clear written tenancy agreements, including key information on responsibilities, contacts, and conditions. Additional provisions clarify that tenants will not be required to pay rent if a property becomes uninhabitable, unless the damage was caused deliberately or recklessly. 

To support the transition, the Government of Jersey has published comprehensive guidance on the amended Model Residential Tenancy Agreement to help landlords, tenants and letting agents understand the changes. 

Minister for Housing, Deputy Sam Mézec, said: 

“The commencement of the amended Residential Tenancy Law marks a major milestone in improving security, clarity and fairness for thousands of Islanders who rent their homes. 

“Alongside the legislation coming into force, I am pleased that we are publishing clear and comprehensive guidance, as well as a new model tenancy agreement that reflects the updated requirements. These resources will help landlords and tenants prepare for the changes and ensure the transition to the new system is smooth and well understood.” 

Two public engagement events will be held to explain the reforms and answer questions: 

• An in-person event at the St Helier Town Hall on Wednesday 1 April 2026, from 6pm to 7:30pm 

Get free tickets here: Minister for Housing: Updated Tenancy Legislation Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm | Eventbrite

• An online webinar on Thursday 2 April 2026, from 12:45pm to 14:15pm 

Get free tickets here: Residential Tenancy Amendment Law 2025 – Live Presentation Webinar Tickets, Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 from 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Additional communications will be issued ahead of the law coming into force.  

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