DNCC Sets New House Rent Rules, Eases Burden for Tenants

Homeowners in Dhaka have traditionally increased house rents every year. Under a new directive, landlords will no longer be allowed to raise rent before the completion of two years.

The instruction has been issued by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

Speaking at DNCC headquarters in Gulshan-2 on Tuesday, Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said that January rent hikes have become common practice and must be stopped.

Under the new policy, rent revisions will be permitted only between June and July each fiscal year.

The guideline outlines landlords’ responsibilities, including maintaining habitable properties, ensuring uninterrupted gas, electricity, and water supply, and arranging regular waste collection. Landlords are also encouraged to allow greenery on rooftops, balconies, or other open spaces and must provide tenants with keys to the rooftop and main gate under certain conditions for security purposes.

Tenants’ responsibilities are also defined. Rent must be paid by the 10th of each month, with a written receipt, and tenants’ access to rented premises must remain protected. Landlords are required to notify tenants in advance of any changes or security measures.

The directive fixes standard rent for two years, after which any increase must be mutually agreed upon. Annual rent hikes cannot exceed 15 per cent of the property’s market value.

All agreements must be documented in writing, with advance rent limited to one to three months. Local landlord and tenant associations will handle arbitration and disputes, with ward-level support from the city corporation to assist in conflict resolution.