Guidance for Lodgers and Tenants regarding Urgent Housing Issues

Tenants should not ignore any summons to appear in Court and should contact the Greffe by emailing hmgreffier@gov.gg if they have any concerns about whether or not they should attend Court if they are self-isolating. Failure to appear without explanation might result in eviction being granted in your absence.

It is not necessary to be represented by an advocate in eviction proceedings – the Court will listen to what you have to say if you’re unrepresented.  However, if you meet the financial and legal merits criteria for Legal Aid, you may be able to receive additional support. A link to more information on the Guernsey Legal Aid Service is available at www.gov.gg/legalaid. If you would like to apply for Legal Aid, please call 01481 747530 or email legalaid@gov.gg.

If you’re finding it difficult to pay your rent, or are behind in your payments, you should speak with your landlord as soon as possible. You have a legal obligation to pay your rent.

If you’re struggling financially, you may be eligible for Income Support or assistance from the Hardship Fund. Please call 01481 732516 or email hardshipfund@gov.gg to discuss what financial support may be available to you. 

If you live in social housing and are having difficulties paying your rent, please contact your appropriate landlord.  This will be either States Housing Tenancy Management on 01481 756550 or email housingtenancy@gov.gg, or the Guernsey Housing Association on 01481 245530 or email ghaenquiries@gha.gg.

If you’re concerned about budgeting or debt management, please contact Citizens Advice Guernsey on 01481 242266 for free, confidential and impartial advice. 

If you’re worried that you will not be able to pay your utility bills, please contact your utility provider(s) to discuss your circumstances and see if any special arrangements can be made. 

If you pay for utilities directly to your landlord as part of your tenancy agreement, you

should continue to pay these chargesYou still have a legal obligation to pay for utilities.

If you’re struggling financially, you may be eligible for income support or assistance from the Hardship Fund. Please call 01481 732516 or email hardshipfund@gov.gg to discuss what financial support may be available to you. 

If you’re concerned about budgeting or debt management, please contact Citizens Advice Guernsey on 01481 242266 for free, confidential and impartial advice.

If you think you may need longer term help with housing and you meet the eligibility criteria for social rented housing, we strongly recommend you complete and submit an application form as soon as possible. To be eligible for social rented housing you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be able to demonstrate your long-term ability to reside lawfully in any local market accommodation in Guernsey.
• Be able to demonstrate you have not had a previous tenancy terminated as a result of a breach of tenancy.
• Have a net family income (i.e. after income tax and social security payments) below the relevant income threshold, as shown below: 

• Have household capital or assets (known as a ‘nest egg’) below the following limits:

• If you currently own property, you will not be eligible for social rented housing. However, if you have previously owned a property you may be eligible if you meet the criteria (see above).

More information and an application form is available at www.gov.gg/applyhousing

A list of accommodation which is available for self-isolation if you cannot self-isolate at home is provided at https://covid19.gov.gg/support/protect. Information is also provided on how to self-isolate at home or in alternative accommodation.    If you think you may need to relocate to alternative accommodation in order to self-isolate or shield, please contact the properties listed on this webpage.