Alderney’s housing landscape is in the public eye as local leaders push for the creation of rental property standard laws. Kevin Gentle, a member of the States of Alderney and Iain MacFarlane, chair of the Housing Working Group, have both been advocating for urgent reforms. Through this new model, they hope to address the increasing issues surrounding privately-rented housing across the island.
Well, a new whitepaper released by the States of Alderney just made that point very interesting. Currently, around 45% of all domestic properties in Alderney are privately rented. Alarmingly, over one-third of these rentals are owned by people whose primary residence is off-island. Sadly, the report revealed that one-sixth of all housing is occupied by homeowners. These owners only tend to go back to Alderney in the busiest summer months. This growing trend is a threat to the long-term economic and social sustainability of the community.
Iain MacFarlane raised concerns that Alderney was becoming a “boom-and-bust island.” He highlighted the danger posed by the blight of derelict properties that have languished for decades. He called on them to pass tenant protections. Simultaneously, he illuminated the role of landlords—and subsequent burden imposed on them—in creating this crisis.
As Kevin Gentle escalated, Alderney does not have a strong housing bylaw. He noted that Guernsey recently came out with a similar statute. He remarked, “We do not have, like Guernsey has just introduced, a general housing law that protects tenants and landlords alike.” He raised the prospect of Alderney losing its economic vibrancy. Without proper housing alternatives for younger residents and essential personnel, the island’s long run is at chance. “If we can’t keep those younger people here that we need to drive the economy forward, if we cannot entice those key workers that we need because they’ve got nowhere to live, then this island will become extinct,” he said.
Whether Gentle’s or MacFarlane’s approach prevails, both activists are convinced that reforms are needed. Instead, they suggest that the federal government come up with some incentives. This will create powerful incentives for homeowners and business landlords to put their properties to use rather than leave them empty. MacFarlane stated that any regulations must “manage the burden for landlords as well,” ensuring that changes benefit all stakeholders involved.
The final report has sparked dialogue and debate among local decision-makers and residents about the future of housing on Alderney. The population is facing increasing strains from economic and social forces. This adds urgency to the call for rental property standards legislation, making this an important time in Alderney’s housing debate.
