As Guernsey is such a small island and is considered to be an attractive place to live there are strict controls on the occupation of housing.  These controls are in place in order to provide sufficient houses for locally qualified residents (as set out in the Law).

In Guernsey houses are categorised into two sectors: -

Local Market – Approximately 90% of the properties in Guernsey are “local market”.  They can only be occupied by residentially qualified persons or by non-local persons who have been granted a Housing Licence by the Housing Department (see section on Housing Control Laws).

Open Market – Occupation of “open market” private houses is not controlled.  There are approximately  1,600 open market properties and these are generally the more expensive properties.

The Housing Control Law 1994 stipulates that persons who are not locally qualified residents need a housing licence to occupy any dwelling in Guernsey unless it is on the Part A of the ‘open market’ register.  It is an offence for any person to occupy a controlled dwelling without a housing licence. 

Housing control legislation enables the Housing Department to grant housing licenses to persons entering the Island to fill positions that they deem essential for the well being of the community.

An essential licence holder may accommodate his or her spouse or partner and children as members of his or her household.

Essential licences are sought by the employer.  They are tied to a specific post and are issued in respect of a specific dwelling.  It is the States of Guernsey’s policy that such licences are for a fixed period, usually three or five years and are very rarely renewable for the individual.

For some posts where long-term continuity is required the Department may feel that granting a fifteen year licence is justified.  Holders of fifteen year licences tied to employment, their spouses and their children stand to gain local residential qualifications if the fifteen year period is completed.