Guernsey
A Guernsey landlord, Fallon Bewey, has expressed frustration over the costly and time-consuming court process required to evict a tenant who refused to vacate her property at the end of a lease agreement. Ms. Bewey reports spending nearly £20,000 in legal fees after her tenant remained in the property beyond the agreed one-year term, which concluded in November 2025. Despite deciding not to renew the lease, the tenant refused to leave, prompting Ms. Bewey to seek legal recourse.
In Guernsey, landlords must apply to the Royal Court for an eviction order when tenants do not vacate as agreed. This process can be lengthy and expensive, often resulting in tenants being granted additional time to find alternative accommodation. In Ms. Bewey's case, the court granted the tenant a stay of eviction until June 2026, meaning the property will have been occupied for nearly eight months beyond the original lease term.
Ms. Bewey, a working mother of two, believes the current system disproportionately favors tenants over landlords. She highlights that many landlords are not career property owners but individuals who rely on rental income due to personal circumstances, such as divorce or as a primary source of income during retirement. The financial burden and prolonged process have left her feeling unsupported by the courts and law enforcement.
Deputy David Dorrity of Guernsey's Housing Committee acknowledges the challenges faced by landlords and indicates that legislative changes are being considered. Proposed reforms may include requiring tenants seeking a stay of eviction to demonstrate active efforts to secure alternative housing and the potential establishment of a tribunal to handle tenancy disputes more efficiently.
This case underscores the complexities and financial implications of the eviction process in Guernsey, prompting discussions about balancing the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants within the island's legal framework.
