Staff Reporter:
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is preparing a policy guideline to fix area-wise house rents, with maximum rates to be capped.
The guideline will determine how much rent can be charged in each area – including the highest and lowest rates – based on a building’s location and the civic services available.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz shared the information on Thursday during a meeting with landlords, tenants and other stakeholders at the Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan, Dhaka.
He said that the city corporation hopes to finalise the guideline by December so that implementation can begin in the new year.
The DNCC administrator noted that a law concerning house rents already exists, but many people are not aware of it.
“DNCC will work according to the Premises Rent Control Act and will run campaigns to raise awareness,” he said.
Explaining the system, he said that if a house is worth Tk1 crore, the landlord will be allowed to rent it for Tk15,000.
The guideline will also specify when rent can be increased, after how many years, and for what reasons, he added.
Azaz also mentioned that no civic service will be provided if a landlord does not pay holding tax. Updated holding tax will be required to rent or sell a house, he said, adding that a sample rent agreement will be made available on the DNCC website.
He also emphasised the need to form ward-level associations of tenants and landlords. If any issue cannot be resolved there, both sides can approach the DNCC regional office, he said.
Speaking at the event, Zonal Executive Officer (Deputy Secretary) Md Ziaur Rahman said that the Premises Rent Control Act 1991 clearly sets out the rights and duties of both parties, including limits on rent increases, eviction rules and maintenance responsibilities.
He said the Act is intended to protect both sides, but many people do not fully understand its provisions. He added that proper awareness, written agreements and a smoother dispute-resolution process are needed to ensure a fair rental system in Dhaka.
