The extension of the rent freeze to 31st December is solely to help Fijians during this difficult economic situation.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission say they understand that many Fijians have either lost their job or working on reduced hours which is impacting their ability to pay rent.

FCCC Chief Executive Joel Abraham says they understand the tenant’s plea during these hard times and are grateful for the landlord’s understanding.

Abraham says the Landlord and Tenant Act that governs both party’s interest will be tabled in Parliament this year.

Abraham says, for now, any increase in the rent this year will be deemed illegal.

“Between the period of January 2021 and December 31st 20212, they must not charge any increase in rent for letting or continued letting so it doesn’t mean you can put one tenant out and get someone else and increase the rent.”

 Consumer Council Chief Executive, Seema Shandil has welcomed the extension.

” Fijian consumers are still struggling, given that they are not only affected by COVID-19  but also recently many have been further affected by TC Yasa so with this extension many consumers can now  breath a sigh of relief that they don’t have to fork out extra money for rent.” 

Shandil says complaints relating to landlord and tenancy topped their list last year.

The Council has received approximately 650 complaints.