The Consumer Council of Fiji has reported a significant number of complaints related to landlord and tenancy issues over the last three years. Chief Executive Seema Shandil highlighted that the Council received 965 complaints in 2023, followed by 859 in 2024. As of this year, there have already been 978 complaints lodged, indicating a growing concern within the community.
Shandil expressed that the Council anticipates these figures will continue to rise as the year unfolds. She noted troubling conditions within some rental properties, emphasizing that many are not safe for tenants to live in. Issues have also been reported involving tenants facing unlawful evictions or having their utilities disconnected.
The nature of the complaints primarily revolves around unlawful evictions, vague or insufficient tenancy agreements, and excessive restrictions imposed by landlords. In response to these issues, Shandil stated that the Council is dedicated to collaborating closely with both landlords and tenants to address these matters effectively.
In light of the rising number of complaints, Esrom Immanuel, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, urged both landlords and tenants to adhere to legal guidelines and existing regulations, underscoring the importance of compliance for maintaining a harmonious rental environment.
This ongoing dialogue between the Council, landlords, and tenants is crucial in fostering a fair rental market while ensuring that the rights of both parties are respected and upheld. The proactive measures taken by authorities to address these grievances are a hopeful sign for improvements in the rental landscape in Fiji.