ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Rent Restriction (Amendment) Bill 2020 to protect rights of tenants and landlords alike, which was passed by the National Assembly in October last year, is all set to be tabled in the Senate on Monday (today).

“We are hopeful this bill will be passed by the Senate as well to provide big relief to traders and citizens of Islamabad,” said Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Capital Development Authority (CDA) Affairs Ali Nawaz Awan.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Awan, who was the mover of the bill in the National Assembly, said this had been a longstanding demand of tenants and landlords seeking amendment to the Islamabad Rent Restriction Ordinance 2001. He said the amended bill stated that every agreement between landlord and tenant shall be presented before the rent controller for record keeping while any payment, related to tenancy agreement shall be made through cross cheque and or with an official receipt/acknowledgement. He said rent of commercial and residential buildings will be annually increased by 10pc unless the parties decided to enter into an agreement, contrary to this one, in writing.

Whereas, he said for dispute resolution between landlord and tenant there shall be a mediation council.

“Once approved from Senate, this bill will become a law and will provide a big relief to both tenants and landlord. The dispute between tenants and landlord is a major issue and now law protects rights of both parties. I hope in Islamabad, the issue of forced eviction of tenants will be resolved for good,” he said.

Background discussions with traders revealed that forced eviction of traders is a chronic issue as tenants, who have been running their business for decades have been facing the threat of forced eviction and many such cases have already taken place so far. Whereas, landlords also increase rent as per their will at times threatening tenants to vacate the property if they feel that the increased rent does not suit them. On the other hand, in many cases, old tenants, have also not been paying rent to landlords in accordance with the current value of property.

“We appreciate move of the government for placing the bill before Senate; we have been demanding amendment to the Islamabad Rent Restriction Ordinance 2001 for years. I hope after approval from Senate, the government will ensure proper implementation of the bills to protect rights of tenants and landlords as well. Earlier, due to weak ordinance, the landlords used to exploit traders by increasing rent abnormally,” said trader leader Sarfraz Mughal.

He said setting up a mediation council was a good step, which would also provide tenants an opportunity to present their case.

Earlier, a press release issued by Ali Nawaz’s office stated that the bill seeks to amend certain sections of Islamabad Rent Restriction Ordinance 2001.

“Once passed, the amendments will resolve longstanding issues of rent control in Islamabad Capital Territory. The bill was moved in National Assembly by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on CDA Affairs and Member National Assembly Ali Nawaz Awan. It was backed by all three members of Islamabad - Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, Raja Khurram Nawaz and Ali Nawaz Awan himself - that led to its approval from the National Assembly,” read the press release.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2021