Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Tuesday issued new guidelines on house rent in the capital under the House Rent Control Act, 1991, aiming to regulate rent hikes, ensure fair practices, and protect tenants’ rights.
The guidelines were announced at a press conference at DNCC City Hall by DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz.
According to the guidelines, rent can be increased only once every two years, preferably during June–July, following negotiations between landlords and tenants. Fair rent must be determined, and annual rent may not exceed 15% of the property’s market value. Landlords are also barred from collecting more than one to three months’ advance rent.
DNCC said both landlords and tenants must comply with the guidelines. Any disputes related to renting or leasing may be reported to the regional executive officer of the respective area for resolution.
Highlighting the housing pressure in the capital, Mohammad Azaz said Dhaka’s population is nearly 35 million, while there are only about 2–2.5 million houses in both North and South Dhaka combined. He noted that a large segment of city residents are tenants, many of whom spend 50–65% of their income on rent—far exceeding the internationally acceptable threshold of 30%.
He added that ambiguities in the 1991 law had previously allowed excessive rent increases, often at the expense of tenants’ rights.
Key provisions of the DNCC guidelines include:
- Landlords must maintain rental properties in a livable condition.
- Continuous supply of gas, electricity, water, and daily waste collection must be ensured.
- Landlords and tenants, with mutual consent, may undertake greening initiatives on rooftops, balconies, and open spaces.
- For safety during natural or man-made disasters, landlords must provide tenants with access to the main gate and rooftop keys.
- Rent must be paid by the 10th of each month, and landlords must issue written receipts.
- Tenants must retain access to the property, and landlords must consult them before undertaking security or maintenance measures.
- Rent increases are permitted only every two years and must follow negotiations.
- Landlords may issue written notices for overdue rent, while eviction is allowed only with proper notice.
- Written rental agreements are mandatory and must clearly specify rent, rent increases, advance payments, responsibilities, and exit clauses.
- Either party may terminate the agreement with two months’ prior notice.
- Ward-level landlord and tenant associations must be formed to mediate disputes locally. If unresolved, matters should be escalated to the zone or regional executive officer.
DNCC said it will conduct awareness programs and zone-based consultation meetings to ensure compliance with the House Rent Control Act, 1991, and the newly issued guidelines.
