New laws 'politically motivated'

One of the Island’s largest private landlords has accused a government minister of political posturing over new laws.

Yesterday, the Landlord and Tenant Private Housing Bill committee sat to hear evidence from the Office of Fair Trading and Ian Abrahams, who owns more than a hundred rental properties.

The aim of the bill is to provide a set of minimum standards for accommodation, which must be met by those renting it out.

Mr Abrahams told the committee he thought the new laws were completely unnecessary because regulation already exists – and he said the legislation was a personal crusade by former Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw.

Afterwards, he said the proposals were a populist measure designed to win votes: