Housing Standards ( 11.8.1.L6 )
LOCAL INFORMATION
11.8.1.L6
Housing Standards
Extent: Jersey
Updated: 04 March 2020
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Housing Standards
A useful document listing all obligations of landlords of self-contained units is available by clicking here.
Minimum Standards
The Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings - Minimum Standards and Prescribed Hazards) (Jersey) Order 2018 came into force on 1st December 2018.
It applies to all new tenancies created or existing tenancies renewed or varied on or after 1st December 2018.
The Order is enforced by Environmental Health, who can be contacted for advice.
The Order specifies that all rental accommodation must have:
1. Smoke alarms
2. Carbon monoxide detectors, where appropriate.
3. Annual gas safety checks where a gas supply is viable, even if that supply is not in use.
4. Periodic electrical safety inspections.
The Order sets out a list of 29 hazards that rental accommodation must be protected from.
1. Damp and mould growth
Exposure to house dust mites, damp, mould or fungal growths.
2. Excess cold
Exposure to low temperatures.
3. Excess heat
Exposure to high temperatures.
4. Asbestos and MMF
Exposure to asbestos fibres or manufactured mineral fibres.
5. Biocides
Exposure to chemicals used to treat timber and mould growth.
6. Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
Exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide or smoke.
7. Lead
The ingestion of lead.
8. Radiation
Exposure to radiation.
9. Uncombusted fuel gas
Exposure to uncombusted fuel gas.
10. Volatile organic compounds
Exposure to volatile organic compounds.
11. Crowding and space
A lack of adequate space for living and sleeping.
12. Entry by intruders
Difficulties in keeping the dwelling secure against unauthorized entry.
13. Lighting
A lack of adequate lighting.
14. Noise
Exposure to noise.
15. Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
(1) Poor design, layout or construction such that the dwelling cannot readily be kept clean.
(2) Exposure to pests.
(3) Inadequate provision for the hygienic storage and disposal of domestic waste.
16. Food safety
Inadequate provision of facilities for the storage, preparation and cooking of food.
17. Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
(1) Inadequate provision of facilities for maintaining good personal hygiene.
(2) Inadequate provision of sanitation and drainage.
18. Water supply
An inadequate supply of water which is free from contamination and suitable for drinking.
19. Falls associated with bathing etc.
Falls associated with toilets, baths, showers or other facilities for personal hygiene.
20. Falling on level surfaces etc.
(1) Falling on a level surface.
(2) Falling where the change in level between surfaces is less than 300 millimetres.
21. Falling on stairs etc.
Falling on stairs, steps or ramps where the change in level between surfaces is 300 millimetres or more.
22. Falling between levels
Falling between levels where the difference in levels is 300 millimetres or more.
23. Electrical hazards
Exposure to electricity.
24. Fire
Exposure to uncontrolled fire and associated smoke.
25. Flames, hot surfaces etc.
(1) Contact with controlled fire or flames.
(2) Contact with hot surfaces, objects, liquid or vapours.
26. Collision and entrapment
Collision with, or entrapment of body parts in, doors, windows or other structural features.
27. Explosions
An explosion at the dwelling.
28. Position and operability of amenities etc.
The position and operability of amenities, fittings and equipment.
29. Structural collapse etc.
The collapse of whole or part of the dwelling.
The full Order can be viewed by clicking here.
Fire Certificates
Landlords must also have a fire certificate if their property is classed as a "house in multiple occupancy" (HMO).
For full details, please click here.
Other Minimum Standards
The above is in addition to minimum standards already specified in the Dwelling-Houses (Rent Control) (Standard Tenancy Agreement) (Jersey) Regulations 1993.
This Regulations specifies that landlords have the following responsibilities:
1. To keep the accommodation wind and water tight.
2. To keep any halls, landings, passageways, stairs and other communal areas in good repair.
