The Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has called for the introduction of a statutory tenancy deposit scheme similar to the one used in England and Wales.

Research carried out by the CAB found that 90% of enquires received regarding housing cost were related to deposits. The bureau believes that a deposit scheme is essential to safeguard the rights of both landlords and tenants and has been calling for reform to the current system as there is currently no independent arbitration for either party to turn to when it comes to discrepancies regarding deposits. The only course of action available is to instigate legal action through the Petty Debts Court. The deposit scheme would include the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which would be an independent body that would resolve deposits disputes quickly.

As in much of the rest of the UK, Jersey is looking to promote the private rented sector and to continue to raise standards. The CAB believes that for this to happen deposit protection has to be an essential part of the process.

Francis Le Gresley MBE, manager of Jersey CAB, told PIN: “Given that home ownership is an unrealistic aspiration of many young people who live in Jersey, due to the high prices of flats and houses, it is essential that living in the rental sector is not a lottery when it comes to getting a rental deposit repaid. Landlords would also be able to avoid protracted disputes with outgoing tenants as the independent ADR, which would be part of the deposit protection scheme, would aim to resolve any disputes quickly and be binding on the parties.”