Jersey Planning Law Change ‘Should Make Renting Easier’

A change in law has been introduced in Jersey that aims to make the process of renting out a room or property “more straightforward”. The planning and building law now allows renting for up to 12 weeks each year without planning permission.

Boost for Short-Term Let Market

Melanie Le Maistre, managing director of Freedom Holidays, welcomed the development, which she believes will help maximize the short-term let market. “We don’t want complete units being let out 52 weeks of the year,” said Deputy Steve Luce, the Minister for the Environment. “We want those units to be lived in by Jersey people, who want to work and live in Jersey.”

Clarifying Confusions

Ms. Le Maistre highlighted that the planning laws around renting have often been confusing. “I think it’s fair to say that not everyone realized they needed planning consent to open self-catering properties as part of their residence,” she said. “When we refer them to the planning department, they’ve often received ambiguous answers, which has caused confusion.”

Benefits for Visitors and Businesses

Alex Dolan, from the Dolan Hotel Group, believes the change will give visitors a wider range of options. “Although this does actually represent more competition in the market, this is a very, very positive thing for the island,” he said. “Any successful destination needs a varied array of accommodation to suit various different stay types and this is the next evolution to fill the gap that was left by the declining traditional guest house market.”

Key Points:

• New law allows renting for up to 12 weeks a year without planning permission.
• Aims to simplify the process for landlords and boost the short-term let market.
• Addresses previous confusions and ambiguities in planning laws.
• Expected to provide more options and flexibility for visitors.
• Part of a broader effort by the government to maximize the tourism industry.

Overall, the change in planning law is seen as a positive step towards making the rental market in Jersey more accessible and less confusing. It remains to be seen how effectively it will address the challenges faced by landlords and how it will impact the overall availability and affordability of rental properties on the island.

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