News

FCCC prioritizes completion of the draft Landlord and Tenancy Bill

January 16, 2019 8:15 am

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is prioritizing the completion of the draft Landlord and Tenancy Bill.

Chief Executive Joel Abraham confirms that work has been done and the commission is hopeful it will be tabled in Parliament soon.

Abraham says once the Landlord and Tenancy bill is tabled in parliament – the legislation will come in which will see the rent freeze being phased out.

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“The idea is not to completely and abruptly remove it but we need to phase it out. I agree that needs to go and it must go and the main idea is to be fair with both landlords and tenants.”

Abraham says the commission wants to have a fair legislation for both landlords and tenants.

Meanwhile, Consumer Council’s Manager Alternative Dispute, Resolution Pooja Singh says that while consumers wait for the completion of the draft Landlord and Tenancy Bill, the Rent Freeze Order should ensure that landlords do not illegally increase rent.

“The council hopes that the act is in force so that there is a clear standard that is followed by the landlords and tenants in Fiji will assist all Fijians in this aspect.”

According to the council, landlords make minor renovations and then increase the rent which is illegal and should not be entertained.