Jersey planning law change 'should make renting easier'

A change in law should make the process of renting out a room or property in Jersey "more straightforward", a tourism firm boss has said.

The planning and building law now allows renting for up to 12 weeks each year without planning permission.

Melanie Le Maistre, managing director of Freedom Holidays, said it was a welcome development.

The minister for the environment said it would help maximise the short-term let market.

Ms Le Maitre said overall the planning laws around renting remained confusing.

She said: "I think it's fair to say that not everyone realised they needed planning consent to open self-catering properties as part of their residence.

"When we refer them to the planning department, they've often received ambiguous answers, which has caused confusion.

"People have either not continued with the journey or they've found it a quite complicated process to get through."

Ms Le Maistre said there were about 200 properties offering short-term lets in Jersey.

'Maximise that market'

Deputy Steve Luce, the Minister for the Environment, said the 12-week limit would allow home owners an additional income without potentially taking properties off the market.

He said: "We don't want complete units being let out 52 weeks of the year - we want those units to be lived in by Jersey people, who want to work and live in Jersey."

Mr Luce said the government recognised the "value of Airbnb and short term rental accommodation to visitors".

"We're going to do everything we can to maximise that market as well."

Alex Dolan, from the Dolan Hotel Group, said it would give visitors a wider range of options.

He said: "Although this does actually represent more competition on the market, this is a very, very positive thing for the island.

"Any successful destination needs a varied array of accommodation to suit various different stay types and this is the next evolution to fill the gap that was left by the declining traditional guest house market."

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