Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has issued a guideline under the House Rent Control Act, 1991, limiting rent hikes and ensuring tenants’ safety by mandating landlords provide access to rooftops and main gates during emergencies such as fires or earthquakes.
Under the directive, rent for any flat or house cannot exceed 15 percent of the market value of the property. Rent adjustments are allowed only through mutual discussion between landlords and tenants, generally during June–July each fiscal year.
No rent increase is permitted during the first two years of a tenancy. After this period, annual increases cannot exceed 15 percent. Rent must be paid by the 10th of each month, and landlords must issue signed written receipts.
The directives, announced on Tuesday, also clarifies responsibilities for landlords and tenants to prevent disputes and protect rights.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz unveiled the new guideline at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban. The guideline was formulated based on consultations with students, professionals, and residents to ensure fairness between tenants and landlords, while addressing longstanding ambiguities in the House Rent Control Act.
The guideline also mentions, advance rent cannot exceed one to three months, and additional charges or deposits beyond this limit are prohibited.
The guideline places strong emphasis on security and safety. Landlords must provide tenants with conditional access to rooftops and main gates to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies. Tenants’ 24-hour access and movement within the property are guaranteed.
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition, ensuring uninterrupted utility services including water, gas, electricity, and waste collection. With permission, tenants may cultivate greenery on rooftops, balconies, or open areas.
For non-payment of rent, landlords must first issue a verbal warning, followed by a written notice giving two months to settle outstanding dues. If unpaid, landlords may terminate contracts and evict tenants in line with the notice period.
Residential contracts can be mutually terminated with two months’ notice. Lift maintenance, water, and other shared expenses must be charged on a per-flat basis, and landlords are prohibited from profiting from service fees.
The guideline also requires written agreements to clearly outline rent, obligations, advance payments, and termination clauses.
DNCC will form committees in each ward, comprising landlord and tenant representatives, to resolve disputes. Supervisors will monitor rent and tax information to prevent underreporting, and unresolved complaints can be escalated to the zonal office.
Administrator Mohammad Azaz stressed that the new guideline balances tenants’ rights with landlords’ responsibilities, promotes safe living conditions, and prevents arbitrary rent increases while ensuring compliance with the law.
