Landlords ordered to revert to last year’s rates

2011 rentals with immediate effect.

“As the minister responsible, by virtue of powers vested in me in terms of the Housing and Building Act and the Rent Regulations (Statutory Instrument 32 of 2007), I am putting a stop on rental increase.
“I am directing that all rentals for residential properties that had been increased with effect from January 1, 2012 revert to figures that were obtaining in December 2011,” he said.

Minister Mutsekwa said it was criminal in terms of the relevant law for anyone to defy the directive.
He said his office had been inundated with calls from tenants after landlords increased rentals without justification.

“This has been despite my numerous pleas in the past for landlords to exercise extreme restraint and act responsibly when faced with a situation warranting the need to increase rent,” he said.
Minister Mutsekwa said the unjustified rent increases were not only causing untold hardships to tenants but fuelling inflation and causing economic instability.

He expressed dismay over tenants and lodgers who have chosen to suffer in silence.
“Abused tenants have been reluctant to take advantage of the Rent Board which remains under utilised, but is readily available at their disposal.