AD calls for rent laws reform

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday said it was committed to ensuring that the country's antiquated rent laws were reformed.

Speaking at a press conference in Sliema, AD chairman Harry Vassallo said he could not understand why the prime minister "is refusing to tackle this issue".

"The government should not continue to perpetuate an injustice against the owners of rented properties. By redressing this injustice, the government would be removing an artificial distortion in the market, which is resulting in a negative social and environmental impact.

"Reforming the rent laws would not only bring long due justice to owners, but it would also increase the supply of rented properties in the market.

"This will benefit lower income groups and vulnerable categories, like single parents who would find more places to rent at reasonable prices.

"In a scenario of soaring property prices, a reform in the rent laws should form an integral part of a strategy to combat social exclusion."

He said a reform in the rent laws would also relieve pressure on the countryside. "Our antiquated current rent laws are resulting in a situation where nearly a quarter of all properties are left vacant.

"If renting these properties remains unprofitable, we will continue to pay a huge environmental cost. By opting to uphold the status quo the government's green credentials are further eroded."

Dr Vassallo said the reform should be conducted gradually and carefully so that tenants from lower income groups were protected.

"On the other hand, it is intolerable that certain properties are being rented out cheaply by people who are richer than the landowners themselves."