Keep Rent Receipts: Watchdog

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has urged tenants to demand receipts for payment of rent because it is proof of payment.

FCCC chief executive officer Joel Abraham said tenants should ensure they have a written agreement with their landlord with clear conditions in order to avoid unwarranted hassles later.

He added that tenants were encouraged to lodge complaints against landlords if they illegally increased rent on residential property.

“They can visit the FCCC office in Suva, Lautoka or Labasa to lodge their complaint,” he said.

Mr Abraham said so far they had charged 41 landlords for illegally increasing rent on residential property and failing to keep proper records.

These records encompass maintaining copies of receipts issued for receiving rent on a monthly basis, copies of tenancy agreements and record books etc. for leasing a property on residential rent.

He urged landlords to act within the ambit of the law and refrain from illegally increasing rent on residential properties.

$10,000 maximum

penalty against landlords if they illegally increase rent on residential property

$100,000 second

or subsequent offence or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both

“Landlords should also maintain proper records of premisesgivenonrentfortheverificationofFCCC,” Mr Abraham said.

“Following the law will safeguard landlords from litigation under the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010(FCCC Act 2010) and the Rent Freeze Order.”

Meanwhile, the maximum penalty for such offences is$10,000forafirstoffenderand$100,000 for a second or subsequent offence or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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