The Extended Rental Freeze order will be effective from tomorrow.

Extension of the rent freeze was announced under the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Order 2018, whereby landlords are not allowed to increase rent for residential tenancy until the 31st of December, 2019.

Any premises rented out for the first time are not subject to the Order, but any increase thereafter will be subject to the restriction.

The Consumer Council has received numerous complaints over the years about landlords who used various tactics such as renovation to increase rent.

An on spot fine of up to $2000 may be imposed against those who breach the law and it is compulsory for all landlords to provide duly executed tenancy agreements and copies of receipts for disputes filed at the FCCC.

The Council is also reminding tenants to act responsibly and to read and understand the tenancy agreement before moving into the rental property.

They are also urging relevant authorities to fast-track the finalization of the Landlord and Tenant Act 2017, which is still in its draft stage.