TENANTS of private sector homes could get a better deal. A new report has identified nearly 30 action points to improve the condition of such homes and offer better value for money.

The Housing Department, however, is not considering rent rebates for private tenants.

It is taking the report, and its conclusions, to the States at the end of the month for a ‘green paper’ debate. Ideas raised, some described as quite radical by Housing minister Dave Jones, include scrapping rent control, possibly introducing tax relief on rents, allowing landlords a tax-free portion of rental income and regular house-condition surveys.

Members’ views will be implemented in an action plan to go before the States in December.

‘The States has previously shown little interest in addressing the problems in the private rented sector, but has nevertheless made a number of assumptions about the extent of those problems and how they should be addressed,’ said Deputy Jones.

‘What this report shows very clearly is a housing problem for many, but not all, islanders who rent in the private sector.

‘For some, it’s a twofold problem. What they have to pay for their accommodation is generally very high and often the quality is very low.

‘The Housing Department is determined to work with other States departments and private landlords to tackle these issues and the report recommends a number of measures which could really make a difference.’

The work on private sector rents is just part of the States’ corporate housing programme.

Deputy Jones said he wanted to see the sector made up of ‘good quality, fairly-priced accommodation’.

‘That’s not just because it’s a good thing in itself but because it will increase demand for this sort of housing, which will have a positive impact on the other sectors of island accommodation – owner-occupied and rental accommodation provided by ourselves and by housing associations.’

Deputy Jones said that some of the recommendations from consultant Mike Parr were quite radical, but were all part of an inter-linked approach to housing.

The States is due to debate the report on 28 July.