By: Kebba AF Touray
The Legislative Joint Committee on Regional Government and Human Rights has recommended that the charges on rent should be based on the standard of the premises (rented property).
The joint committee made these and other recommendations in its report on the rent bill, which was developed after their consultations with the stakeholders and the public on the Rent Bill, that is currently before the assembly seeking amendment.
Reading the report before the plenary, the co-Chair of the joint committee, Hon. Sulayman Jammeh said “The joint committee recommended that the rent charges should be based on the standard of the premises. The rent tribunal should be re-established in the councils or a stationed magistrate”.
He also said that the joint committee also recommended that foreign currencies should not be used in paying rent charges, as it was unanimously agreed by the respondents during their consultations.
He added, “The committee also recommended that there should be no agent mediation concerning rent. There should be no construction of warehouses within residential areas”.
The rent bill, he said, seeks to amend the existing Rent Act 2014, which efficiently addressed issues of rent, as stated in the objects and reasons of the bill.
He reported that the methodology used by the committee during the consultation included consultation with the stakeholders to gain their opinions on the bill, review documents and position papers presented by the invited stakeholders.
He added that the methodology also includes holding public hearing across the country and convening validation meetings, where lawmakers and support staff of the committee review various submissions, and further scrutinize the clause, prepare and validate the report on the consultation on the bill.
He said the joint committee also proposed that clauses 13 and 18 stand parts of the bill whilst clause 19 of the bill be amended to read as thus; (1) A landlord shall not increase the rent of rental premises;
A. at a rate of more than five percent in every three years or such other rate as may be prescribed by the Ministry by notice published in the gazette, and subject to the condition of the facility; and
B. at an interval of lees than thirty-six months.
“Given the said observations and recommendations, the joint committee on Regional Government and Human Right Matters of the Assembly hereby submit this report for consideration and adoption by this august assembly and for the proposed recommendations to stand part as part of the bill”, he moved.
During the debate on the report, lawmakers hailed the joint committee for job well aimed at addressing the plight of tenants in the country, through the passing of the rent amendment bill, tabled by the member for Serrekunda West, Hon. Madi Ceesay.
They said that the bill is progressive and that it is long overdue considering the plight of tenants regarding the frequent increase of rent.
“The bill will also enable tenants to enjoy value for money”, they added.
“The rent charges they pay will afford the premises and houses standards that are fit for human habitation. The increase of house rent without giving prior notice to the tenants, and the payment of rent fees in hard currencies will all be addressed once the bill is passed,” said lawmakers.
The legislators also challenged the authorities for the effective and adequate implementation of the bill once passed, adding that it is one thing to have the bill passed, but another equally important thing is to have it effectively implemented, which will make the bill achieve its desired goals and objectives.
Lawmakers also tasked for the need to have a registrar of all the properties, to among other things ensure that government generates revenue on the properties and also make distinction between rented and residential properties.
After a lengthy debate on the report by the lawmakers, the report was adopted with amendments. The bill would now go through a consideration stage for subsequent passing by the National Assembly.
