Citizens Advice says as landlords increase prices, some tenants are finding it difficult to pay.

The charity says the cost of living squeeze is affecting both landlords and tenants.

Landlords are finding they need to increase rents to cover additional costs, while some tenants are finding it hard to pay.

Their latest survey shows rents have risen by an average of 35% over the past five years.

Added to this, CAB says the number of rental properties in Guernsey has reduced. 

Interim CEO, Annie Ashmead, says rent increases are leaving some tenants with a problem paying:

"People are finding themselves in the predicament of either having to accept the increase in rent, or look for somewhere else that’s more affordable,  and there simply isn’t a pool of affordable rental accommodation available."

CAB advisor Gavin says disputes used to be settled by negotiation, but that has changed:

"More and more leases have had an arbitration clause inserted, often referring to the Guernsey Arbitration Law. This means that a case cannot go to Petty Debts without first going to arbitration.

Arbitration involves paid professionals, often advocates, with all the costs that that entails."

Annie Ashmead says some of the people they advise are desperate:

"If they can’t afford the rent and the landlord terminates the contract and they have nowhere else to go, then there’s a very real possibility they could face eviction if they remain in the property."

But she advises talking to a landlord in the first instance:

"We advise people to negotiate with the landlord. A good tenant is worth their weight in gold. If they pay their rent on time and they’re looking after the property, most landlords would be really really happy to have a tenant like that."

She says the problem, while acute, is relatively small:

"At Citizens Advice we do appreciate that the number of clients who contact us regarding lease issues represent a small proportion of all those who rent, and that most landlords treat their tenants fairly and with respect.

The sooner there is some form of legislation in place to protect both tenants and landlords, the better."