Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Clarifies Landlords And Tenants Issues

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC)   has received numerous complaints from both tenants as well as landlords of tenancy issues. These complaints include residential, micro-business and small business tenancy.

FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham acknowledged that the relationship is governed through a private contract between landlords and tenants but urged landlords to negotiate agreeable terms with their tenants and resolve these issues and avoid future problems.

"COVID-19 has impacted Fijians in many ways and a noticeable development is an increase in the number of tenancy related complaints received by the Commission - some legitimate some not," said Abraham.

“There have been numerous occasions in which we have noted that some tenants are giving false information and trying to take advantage of the current situation.  These  tenants  are depriving those Fijians who really need assistance from FCCC in mediating their matters.”

"As the first point of resolving these matters, tenants are encouraged to contact their landlords and make their request in writing to ensure that proper details pertaining to the tenancy is captured in writing.”

"I urge landlords to consider these hard times and show solidarity with our fellow Fijians and empower them during these hard times, making recovery easier for all parties," Abraham said.

If you are a tenant - What to do?

•   Write to your landlord, stating the nature of assistance being sought and retain a copy of this letter

•   If your landlord is able to agree on the terms proposed, please ensure that you honour the terms of variation of the agreement.

•   If your landlord does not agree, please contact FCCC to enable us to meditate on the matter

•   If you are served with an eviction notice, a distress order or court eviction order, please contact FCCC, we will examine your case and assist you under the relevant laws that are available.

If you are a Landlord – What to do?

•   If you receive a letter from your tenant seeking deferment or rent reduction, please assist them on humanitarian grounds

•   If you feel your tenant has the ability to pay but is trying ot mislead you please contact

FCCC. We will investigate your claims.

“It must be very clear that no landlord should use this time to evict tenants unlawfully. The law is very clear that for evictions a court order is required. Various cases have been reported where landlords are verbally putting undue pressure on tenants asking them to move out or find alternative accommodation without giving proper notices.”

Abraham said that eviction is only legal if proper notice is provided by the High Court.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj