TLTB slashes rental arrears by $15m in 10 months

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has recorded one of its strongest arrears recoveries in recent years, slashing national rental arrears by almost half in just 10 months — and warning that tougher enforcement will continue for defaulters.

TLTB reduced its rental arrears from $31.6 million on 1 January 2025 to $16 million by 31 October 2025, a $15 million drop representing a 48 per cent reduction.

Chief executive officer Solomone Nata said the turnaround reflects the Board’s firm responsibility to landowners and the organisation’s intensified recovery drive.

“This achievement was made at the back of an aggressive arrears recovery strategy that involves getting courts orders for disconnection of utilities and vacant possession of leased land across the country,” he said.

Mr Nata said the Board remains concerned about long-outstanding arrears, some dating back 10 to 20 years, across all lease types and in every region.

“We also need to address arrears aged 1–5 years, as failure to act now will lead to further accumulation and make settlement increasingly difficult,” he said.

This category alone involved 29,489 leases worth $31.6 million, but has now been reduced to 13,911 leases valued at $16 million after months of intensified action.

He said TLTB’s current recovery efforts include initiating legal proceedings, house-to-house visits, on-the-ground negotiations, and serving arrears and lease statements.

Failure to pay, he warned, will trigger legal enforcement, including court-ordered disconnection of utilities and vacant possession of leased land.

Mr Nata stressed that the Board remains willing to assist tenants who genuinely need help.

TLTB “reiterates its willingness to assist tenants through structured payment plans and encourages affected individuals or businesses to engage directly with TLTB offices,” he said.

Tenants needing assistance or wishing to make payment arrangements are encouraged to contact their nearest TLTB office or the customer service centre.