Tenants using Jersey’s tenancy deposit scheme will no longer have to pay a protection fee from next month.

The current £21 fee will be removed for all new tenancies from 1st November to bring down the cost of renting on the island.

Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr (pictured) has also agreed a two-year extension to the contract with mydeposits Jersey, which administers the government scheme.

“It’s important that this protection is free and easy to use, and I believe the removal of the fee, however small, will contribute positively towards the cost of renting in the island,” says Warr.

He adds: “I’d like to take this opportunity to remind landlords that it is a legal obligation to protect deposits within 30 days.”

Robust

CEO of mydeposits, Eddie Hooker (pictured), says since the launch in 2015, it has been committed to providing a robust, secure and respected deposit scheme.

He adds: “mydeposits Jersey is delighted to receive the confidence of the Minister for Housing and Communities with the extension of the scheme for a further two years. It has been a privilege to assist in the raising of standards in the rental sector in the island.”

The deposit scheme is extending its relationship with Citizens Advice Jersey to make sure that face-to-face advice and guidance is available to landlords and tenants.

CEO Claire Mulcahy says: “We are committed to supporting the mydeposits Jersey tenancy deposit scheme and our charitable mission to assist landlords and tenants alike with invaluable advice on all matters pertaining to the scheme.”