Tenants must be provided with keys to the rooftop and the main gates: DNCC

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has issued special guidelines to protect the rights of the tenants in the capital and to resolve disputes between the landlords and the tenants.

According to the new guidelines, house rent cannot be increased before two years under any circumstances. Taking more than three months' rent in advance is totally prohibited. At the same time, for security reasons, tenants must be provided with keys to the rooftop and the main gate of the building.

The 16-point guideline has been issued in light of the 'House Rent Control Act, 1991' signed by the Chief Revenue Officer of the DNCC.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced the new house rent guidelines for Dhaka at a press conference held at the DNCC Bhaban here today.

The guidelines stated that once rent is fixed for a house, it will remain effective for the next two years. After two years, rent may be revised based on the mutual discussion between the landlord and the tenant.

However, the annual rent increase must not exceed 15 percent of the prevailing market value.

Security and Access:

In view of the increasing risk of fire incidents, earthquakes and other natural and man-made disasters, the guidelines stated that the landlords must provide each tenant with keys to the rooftop and the main gate, subject to the conditions, for security purposes.

According to the guidelines, tenants will have access to the house at any time. If the landlord takes any measures to ensure overall security or discipline of the building, tenants must be informed and their opinions must be sought before the implementation.

Contract and Receipt Obligations:

The guidelines stated that there must be a written agreement between the landlord and the tenant. Tenants must pay rent by the 10th of each month and landlords are required to provide a signed written receipt in return.

The guidelines further stated that the landlords must ensure the house is fit for habitation. This includes uninterrupted access to gas, electricity, water and household waste collection services. Besides, both landlords and tenants are encouraged to promote greenery on the rooftops and the balconies.

Dispute Resolution:

According to the guidelines, if a tenant fails to pay rent regularly, the landlord must not carry out direct eviction. Instead, a verbal warning must be given first, followed by a written warning notice of two months.

For residential buildings, both parties must provide a two-month notice period to terminate the contract.

To resolve the rent-related disputes, instructions have been given to form ward-based landlord and tenant associations. If disputes cannot be resolved at the local level, provisions have been made to settle the matter through the Zonal Executive Officer (ZEO) of the City Corporation.

The DNCC authorities stated that, to create awareness about the compliance with these guidelines, zone-based view exchange meetings will be organized in the future.