The Cabinet is reviewing how the Rent Restriction Act is being enforced amid growing public concern about rising rental costs and unregulated evictions across Antigua and Barbuda.
At Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said that while laws exist to protect tenants, stronger enforcement is needed. “The laws are on the books,” he said. “And again, it’s a matter of enforcement and it’s a matter of persons utilizing the available laws to address their concerns.”
Merchant advised tenants who believe they have been wronged to seek legal redress through the courts. “If you feel that you have been wronged, take the matter to the courts and the courts will be able to address these concerns as there are regulations on the books that can be enforced,” he said.
When asked about whether a Rent Commission—mandated by the law to regulate the sector—is still functioning, Merchant replied, “That’s something that I can investigate and see where it’s at so that I can report back to you on future press briefings.”
The Cabinet discussion comes amid wider public debate about housing affordability and the protection of tenant rights.
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The rent in this country is absolutely ridiculous! For a one-bedroom apartment, they are willing to charge over USD $1,000. Imagine, if the average population earns a salary XCD $2,000 to $4,000 max a month, in addition to the increase of food and other basic necessities – how can we survive? Plus, these same places do not include utilities. It is honestly to go nuts for, at the rate we are going. We would appreciate it if the government looks into the prices; it needs to stop.
Seems to me tennans have all the rights and the landlords are at their mercy, most of these people refuse to pay you for months and as soon as there is a problem they expect you to have money to fix it right away, how can that be fair when you still have to be juggling to pay the bank. This unfairness has been going on for how ever long. My Tennant was ordered by the court to pay me over $20,000, yes twenty thousand dollars which he told the judge he owed me and ascended without paying one cent
Seems to me tennans have all the rights and the landlords are at their mercy, most of these people refuse to pay you for months and as soon as there is a problem they expect you to have money to fix it right away, how can that be fair when you still have to be juggling to pay the bank. This unfairness has been going on for how ever long. My Tennant was ordered by the court to pay me over $20,000, yes twenty thousand dollars which he told the judge he owed me and absconded without paying one cent
Lease agreements. Lease agreements.
People think lawyers too expensive but a properly drafted lease agreement will solve many issues for both parties.
If you all drop some of these rent that people can afford it then you all will get the rent on time some of these places they are renting for ridiculous prices
Tenants always think you should be at their mercy and fix everything while they destroy EVERYTHING. How does one constantly destroy a shower head and other bathroom fittings. I have the same ones in my house lasting for years but the rental only last a few months. And then come the constant request to take it out of the rent. Seriously Just Madness from delusional renters who have money for everything Except the Rent
Communism at they best. Both sides of the page have reason….and tending to mislead in the court,but,thanks to some internal help (into the court room) at the end will be a satisfying end up for a landlord.
The rent is expensive, yet the renters sit in your property and do not pay anything for months because it is hard for them yet they’re the ones that leave you in debt because they run up your utilities and leave you place in some serious disrepair
The law should be fair for both parties but it is one-sided and in fovour of the tennant. It needs to be fixed. Pronto.
Law should consider both sides. Does the government take into account how much it takes to fix, buy materials and pay workmen…..just like how rent is high it is extremely costly for maintenance…..think about a tenant leaving your property removing all the lights, owing over $10000.00 and leaving light and water in excess of $1000.00. Plus leaving the house damaged and dirty. There is nothing that protects a landlord even we have to sit and wait until the tenant find a place while they run up the bills and the same tenant will tell you they know what the law states.
It’s fair to regulate the system because some rents is extremely ridiculous, however there are persons that will occupy your home for months refuse to pay or vacate ! Make it make sense
You know what would keep rents down
Just tax the landlords
Tax is percentages so if they don’t want pay more tax they won’t make rent high
Simple as that. Why is rent a business and it’s not tax regulated, Gaston making money escape that’s not like him. How landlords not paying tax but hotels and restaurants and air bnb, don’t sound right, that’s a lot of tax money u could be collecting Gassy from all them extortion landlords. Why carry dem court?
Carry dem inland revenu
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