Government restricts landlords to six tenants under revised rental laws. Housing Minister Roderick Galdes announced new rules for renting on Friday. They say that landlords can only list six renters who are not related to each other in the same unit.
Galdes told reporters on Friday that the changes will make the rental market more stable and make the legal steps involved easier.
“Three years ago, we started a rental reform that had never been done before.” “Today, with our heads held high, we are presenting these changes to the law that will make the rental process more stable and easier,” he said.
Even though Galdes said most owners do the right thing, he also said that some do not.
“Because of the changes that were made today, landlords will not be able to list more than six people in one place,” he said.
It will also be possible for the Housing Authority to fine renters up to €2,329 if they break the rules, like not registering a contract with the authority. Renters could be taken to court and fined up to €10,000 if they don’t fix the problem.
The head of the Housing Authority, Matthew Zerafa, said that these changes and the standards that were put in place three years ago are meant to keep landlords and residents happy.
“We are making sure renting continues to be a good and stable option for Maltese families,” he stated.
