Rein in greedy landlords

ONE frequently comes across cases of landlords of buildings disconnecting power and water supply to tenants as a pressure tactic to force the latter to accept rent hikes, or to recover money in cheque bounce cases.

By (The Monitor)

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Published: Sat 5 Nov 2005, 9:28 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 8:34 PM

There are rules and regulations in place which prohibit disconnection of such basic services, except in the case of a building being marked for demolition or for maintenance works. Municipalities have also set up committees to solve disputes between landlords and tenants.

What use are these committees if landlords continue to flex their muscles and increase rents? Sharjah Municipality has set a fine example by declaring that landlords who disconnect power or water supply to tenants would be liable to pay a fine of Dh40,000. Other municipalities in the emirates should also follow suit in taking a firm stand against errant landlords and introduce such deterrents.



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