Evictions
Seeking an eviction
If you are a landlord seeking termination of a residential tenancy agreement and/or eviction of tenants, you can bring a claim in the Petty Debts Court under the Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Law 2011 if:
- you (the landlord) want your property back before the tenancy agreement expires (Art 11)
- your tenant has breached the terms of the agreement (Art 12)
These types of claims are not limited in value, you may bring a claim regardless of how much the annual rent is or how much your tenants owe in rental arrears.
How to bring an eviction claim
Example of Notice to Quit, Summons Claim Summary (Art 11)
Example of Notice to Rectify the Breach, Summons Claim Summary (Art 12)
Evictions are not always straightforward so taking legal advice is recommended.
For all eviction cases, your Summons must be served on the tenant(s) personally by the Viscount who will charge you a fee for this.
Contact the Greffier for any other type of agreement other than residential tenancy (such as commercial leases).
What to do if you receive a Summons for eviction
If your landlord is bringing a case to Court which could result in you being evicted from their property, on receiving a Summons you should:
- call the Petty Debts Court Greffier on +44 (0) 1534 440081 to confirm you will attend on the date given on the Summons and ask any questions you have about the Court process
- contact the Legal Aid office on +44 (0) 1534 613999. If you are eligible for legal aid, they will provide you with an Advocate to assist you throughout the proceedings and speak on your behalf in Court free of charge
- contact Citizens Advice for assistance on +44 (0) 1534 724942 if you are not eligible for legal aid
- prepare a brief statement for the Judge detailing your personal and financial circumstances and your account of what has happened that led your landlord to take you to court
As you walk into the Magistrate’s Court building, on the left-hand side is the reception desk where the Ushers sit. You should report to the Usher on the desk who will note your attendance and tell you in which of the three courtrooms your case is being heard.
Hearing loop facilities are available on request.
If for some good reason you are unable to attend court, you should contact the Court immediately with evidence to justify your non-attendance, so that alternative arrangements can be made. If you do not attend and do not explain your non-attendance to the Court beforehand, an Eviction Order may be made against you.
Important Changes to the Law from 15 April 2026
The Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Amendment Law 2025 comes into force on 15 April 2026. From this date, new rules apply to:
All new residential tenancy agreements made on or after 15 April 2026.
All periodic tenancies already in place on that date, including cases where a fixed term has ended but the tenant remains and the landlord continues to accept rent.
This amendment updates the Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Law 2011.
Existing Agreements
Periodic tenancies will automatically fall under the amended law from 15 April 2026.
Fixed‑term tenancies made before this date continue under the 2011 law until the term ends. If the tenancy continues afterwards, the amended law applies and a new agreement will be required.
Ending a Tenancy
See Guidance for the Residential Tenancy Law (March 2026)
Bringing eviction proceedings to the Petty Debts Court
The Court process and relevant forms remain the same for existing fixed‑term tenancies. Guidance for eviction procedures relating to periodic tenancies and tenancies created after 15 April 2026 will be uploaded in due course.