What new guidelines has Dhaka North set for house rent and tenants?
Under the new directives, house rent cannot be increased under any circumstances before two years, and every tenant must be provided conditional access to the building’s rooftop and the main gate keys.
Key highlights of Dhaka North's new rules:
- No rent hike before two years under any circumstances
- Rent increases allowed only in June-July, after mutual discussion
- Annual rent capped at 15% of the property's market value
- Advance rent limited to 1-3 months only
- Tenants must get conditional access to rooftop and main gate keys
- Written rental agreements and monthly rent receipts made mandatory
- Ward- and zone-level bodies to resolve landlord-tenant disputes
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has issued a new set of guidelines to regulate house rent and protect tenants' rights amid long-standing complaints of arbitrary rent hikes and rights violations in the capital.
Bite-Sized: What new rules has DNCC set for house rent and tenants?
Under the new directives, house rent cannot be increased under any circumstances before two years, and every tenant must be provided conditional access to the building's rooftop and the main gate keys.
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The guidelines were announced today (20 January) at a press conference held at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban by Dhaka North Administrator Mohammad Azaz. He said the directives have been formulated in line with the House Rent Control Act, 1991, and will be mandatory for both landlords and tenants.
Highlighting the gravity of the housing crisis, Azaz said, "Although around 35 million people currently live in Dhaka, the total number of houses under Dhaka North and South city corporations combined is only about 2 to 2.5 million. As a result, a large portion of city dwellers are tenants."
Rapid rural-to-urban migration, employment opportunities and Dhaka-centric administrative facilities have increased pressure on the city, with the housing sector bearing the brunt, he added.
Citing international research, Azaz said spending up to 30% of income on housing is considered acceptable, but in Dhaka many people are forced to spend 50% to 65% of their income on rent, which he described as alarming.
The DNCC administrator also noted that the implementation of the House Rent Control Act, 1991 has long been plagued by complications and ambiguities.
Weak enforcement at the local government level has allowed landlords to raise rents at will, while tenants' rights have remained inadequately protected, he said, adding that the new guidelines aim to address these gaps.
Key provisions of the guidelines
According to the directives, once a reasonable rent is fixed, it must remain effective for at least two years. Rent increases will only be allowed during June-July. Any change in rent must be determined through mutual discussion between landlords and tenants.
The annual rent cannot exceed 15% of the market value of the property. Landlords will also be barred from taking more than one to three months' rent as advance.
To ensure tenant safety, particularly in view of fire, earthquake and other disaster risks, the guidelines require landlords to provide tenants conditional access to the rooftop and main gate keys. If a landlord plans to take any security-related measures in the building, tenants must be informed in advance and their opinions sought.
The directives further state that landlords must keep the house in a habitable condition and ensure uninterrupted utility services, including gas, electricity, water and regular waste collection. In case of any problem, tenants must inform the landlord, who will be required to resolve the issue promptly.
Tenants must pay rent by the 10th of every month, and landlords are required to provide a written receipt each month. The guidelines also affirm tenants' right to access their residence at any time.
Contract and dispute resolution
A written rental agreement between landlord and tenant has been made mandatory. The agreement must clearly mention rent, advance payment, conditions for rent increases and the notice period for vacating the house.
For residential buildings, either party may terminate the rental agreement with two months' notice. If a tenant fails to pay rent regularly, the landlord must first issue a verbal warning followed by a written notice, after which the tenant may be asked to vacate within two months.
To resolve rent-related disputes, the guidelines call for the formation of ward- and zone-based landlord and tenant associations. If disputes cannot be resolved locally, the matter may be referred to the concerned area's regional executive officer.
DNCC also said it will organise zone-based consultation meetings to raise awareness among landlords and tenants about the new guidelines.
