Landlord Guide to Renting in Guernsey

Guernsey has no single comprehensive residential tenancy statute. The landlord-tenant relationship is primarily governed by the terms of the lease and the Landlord and Tenant (Guernsey) Law 1983, supplemented by Norman customary law. A written agreement is essential to define the rights and obligations of both parties.

• There is no statutory requirement for a written lease, but one is strongly recommended.
• The States of Guernsey provide a model tenancy agreement template that landlords can use.
• Tenancies may be fixed-term or periodic; the terms should be clearly stated in the lease.
• Key clauses should cover rent, deposit, repair obligations, notice periods, and permitted use of the property.

There is no statutory deposit protection scheme in Guernsey. The handling of security deposits is entirely governed by the terms of the tenancy agreement.

• There is no legal cap on the deposit amount, though one to two months' rent is standard.
• The lease should specify the deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and return timeline.
• Landlords should hold the deposit in a separate account as a matter of good practice.
• Disputes over deposits are resolved through the Royal Court of Guernsey.

Guernsey does not impose the same extensive statutory disclosure requirements as UK mainland jurisdictions. However, landlords must ensure properties meet basic safety and habitability standards.

• The landlord should provide their name and a contact address in writing.
• Properties must comply with the Housing (Standards & Licensing) Ordinance where applicable.
• Gas appliances should have an annual safety check by a qualified engineer.
• Smoke detection and fire safety provisions should be in place.

Rent is payable as agreed in the tenancy contract. There is no statutory rent control in Guernsey for private residential lettings.

• Rent should be paid on the date and at the frequency specified in the lease.
• The landlord should maintain clear records of all payments received.
• Receipts should be provided for cash payments.

The landlord's repair obligations in Guernsey are primarily determined by the terms of the lease. Under customary law, there is an implied obligation to keep the property wind- and water-tight.

• The landlord is generally responsible for structural repairs, the roof, exterior walls, and key installations (plumbing, electrics, heating).
• Tenants are expected to keep the interior clean and report disrepair promptly.
• The Housing Department may intervene where a property poses a serious risk to health or safety.
• Repair obligations should be clearly assigned in the tenancy agreement.

There is no specific Guernsey statute governing a landlord's right of entry. Access rights should be set out in the tenancy agreement.

• The lease should specify notice requirements for inspections (24 hours is standard practice).
• Entry should be at a reasonable time and for a legitimate purpose.
• Emergency access for urgent safety or repair issues does not require prior notice.
• Landlords should not enter the property without consent outside of agreed terms.

Guernsey has no statutory framework governing rent increases for private tenancies. Increases are determined by the lease terms.

• For fixed-term tenancies, rent may only be increased if the lease contains a rent review clause, or upon renewal.
• For periodic tenancies, the landlord should give reasonable written notice (at least one rental period).
• There is no right to refer a rent increase to a tribunal; tenants may negotiate or give notice.

Notice periods in Guernsey are governed by the terms of the tenancy agreement. In the absence of specific terms, customary law notice rules apply.

• The lease should state the notice period required from each party (one to three months is typical).
• For periodic tenancies without a specified notice period, at least one full rental period's notice is customary.
• Fixed-term tenancies end on the agreed date without the need for notice, unless the lease states otherwise.
• Notice should be given in writing to the other party's address as stated in the lease.

If a tenant does not leave after proper notice, the landlord must seek a court order for possession through the Royal Court of Guernsey. Self-help eviction is not lawful.

• The landlord must apply to the Royal Court for an order of possession ("Ordre de Justice").
• Grounds include non-payment of rent, breach of lease terms, or expiry of the tenancy.
• The Court may set a date by which the tenant must vacate.
• A Court officer enforces the order if the tenant does not comply.

The return of the deposit is governed by the tenancy agreement. Without a statutory scheme, clear lease terms are essential.

• The deposit should be returned within the period specified in the lease (typically 14–30 days).
• Deductions may be made for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or cleaning costs as agreed.
• The landlord should provide an itemised schedule of any deductions.
• Deposit disputes can be taken to the Royal Court if the parties cannot agree.