Important changes to residential tenancy law: what landlords and tenants need to know

When will the changes take effect?

The Amendment Law comes into force on 15 April 2026.

At a glance

There are a number of important changes being introduced to the RTL aimed at strengthening tenant protections and providing clarity as to the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. Controls of rent increases are brought into effect, and a new independent Rent Tribunal is established to resolve disputes in relation to the lawfulness of rent increases. Another major change is the introduction of more extensive restrictions on a landlord's ability to terminate a tenancy, and extended notice periods for such terminations.

Restrictions on fixed term tenancies

A new tenancy may be either (i) a fixed-term tenancy for an initial term of up to three years, or (ii) a periodic tenancy. It will not be possible to have consecutive fixed terms. After the expiry of the initial term (unless properly terminated) the tenancy will convert from a fixed term tenancy to a periodic tenancy.

Ending fixed term tenancies

To prevent a fixed term tenancy from converting to a periodic tenancy either the landlord or the tenant must give notice to the other party. A landlord must give such notice at least three months before the expiry, and a tenant must give such notice at least one month before the expiry.

If notice to end the tenancy at expiry is given late (but still during the initial term) then the initial term is deemed to continue until three months after the service of such notice by the landlord, or one month after the service of such notice by the tenant.

Either party may terminate a tenancy during the initial term if (i) all relevant contractual requirements for such notice are met, and (ii) the minimum notice periods are met (three months for a landlord, one month for a tenant).

Ending periodic tenancies

Under the Amendment Law, tenants under periodic tenancies are now afforded greater security of tenure.

A periodic tenancy may only be terminated without reason by the landlord on giving 12 months’ notice. Tenants, on the other hand, may terminate a periodic tenancy at any time (and without any requirement for reason) on giving one month’s notice.

Otherwise, a periodic tenancy may only be ended:

1. by mutual agreement;
2. by order of the Petty Debts Court; or
3. by the landlord for one of the specified statutory reasons.

Landlord termination rights

The Amendment Law introduces prescribed, legally defined, reasons why a landlord may terminate a tenancy (fixed or periodic) and specifies the notice period which applies to such reason.

The statutory notice period is dependent on (i) whether the tenancy is fixed or periodic in nature, and (ii) how long the tenant has been in occupation. The notice periods range from seven days to six months.

A table setting out the grounds for termination, and the respective notice periods, is set out in a table at the end of this briefing. 

Restrictions on rent review

It will only be possible to increase rent once in any 12 month period, and generally any increases will be capped by reference to the annual increase in the Jersey Retail Prices Index. Exceptions may apply, but if a landlord is relying on any such exception, they must explain the reason in writing.

Importantly, a landlord must give at least two months’ written notice for any rent increase.

Rent Tribunal

The newly established Rent Tribunal will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes about rent increases.

A tenant may challenge unlawful or excessive rent increases, within two months and two weeks of receiving notice of the rent increase (unless exceptional circumstances apply). The tribunal may, if the increase proposed does not comply with the requirements set out in the Amendment Law, disallow the rent increase or substitute a compliant amount.

Landlords may also be required to provide rent information in relation to their units to the Minister for Housing, and can be fined up to £1,000 for failing to do so. The Government will issue further guidance to landlords once this requirement comes into effect.

Essential terms

Tenancy agreements will need to include additional essential minimum terms – which will be deemed to be included if not expressly set out in the agreement. Specific obligations will be deemed to apply to landlords, including an obligation to insure the unit, and to repay overpayments made by the tenant within 10 working days.

Uninhabitable premises

If a unit is declared uninhabitable, by either the unit’s insurer or an authorised officer, the tenant will not be required to pay rent while they cannot live at the property, unless (i) the tenant’s reckless or intentional act rendered the unit uninhabitable, or (ii) the landlord agrees to provide suitable alternative temporary accommodation.

What agreements are affected?

The Amendment Law will not apply to existing fixed term tenancies, entered into before 15 April 2026. Such agreements will continue to be subject to the RTL as it was prior to the commencement of the Amendment Law until their expiry.

Agreements entered into on or after 15 April 2026, and any current periodic tenancies, will be subject to – and must comply with – the Amendment Law.

Next steps

Landlords should carefully consider the terms of their current lease agreements, and should ensure that they are updated to reflect the requirements of the Amendment Law.

Both landlords and tenants should consider the requisite notice periods.

Statutory reasons for termination and the respective notice periods