Rental deposits: Know your rights

Friday, 19 April 2019 09:00

Since 2015, any deposits placed to rent a home must be protected by mydeposits Jersey.

It costs £21 (including GST) to place a deposit in the scheme which is taken out of the tenant's deposit. 

Deposits are protected for the length of the tenancy and will be paid back to the tenant if they: 

  • meet the terms of the tenancy agreement 
  • don’t damage the property 
  • pay their rent and bills 

 

How is your deposit protected? 

Your landlord must transfer your deposit to Mydeposits Jersey who will retain it until the end of the tenancy. 

Your deposit will be protected: 

  • if your landlord or agent goes out of business 
  • in the event of any claim against mydeposits 
  • in the event of bank failure.

 

Getting a deposit back at the end of a tenancy 

The landlord or tenant can apply to Mydeposits to get the deposit back at the end of the tenancy. Mydeposits will write to you asking you to confirm if you agree with the application or whether you want to dispute the amount. If you agree, Mydeposits will return the deposit as agreed within five working days. 

You should try to agree between yourselves how much deposit money should be returned to you before applying for the return of a deposit, as it could cause delays otherwise. 

 

Disputing your deposit 

Mydeposits offers a free dispute resolution service if you disagree about how much deposit money should be returned at the end of a tenancy. You can also have your case heard by the Petty Debts Court. 

Further information can be found on the gov.je website

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