Landlords Receiving Help But Still Milking Tenants

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Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - The lack of regulations to govern landlords has exposed an ugly reality post hurricane Irma, with tenants’ public outcry as they continue to be exploited by many landlords.

Government members, including the Territory's leader, Premier Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, have condemned the actions by some landlords, but those condemnations have fallen on deaf ears.

Premier Smith has now stated that those same landlords are receiving assistance from banks, who have agreed to relax their mortgage/loan payments during this devastating time.

The Premier believes that landlords should extend the same sympathy to their tenants.

"There has to be an agreement, arrangement between the tenant and the landlord, and I think given the situation, the landlord should have some consideration for what the tenant has gone through and there should be some facilitation," Premier Smith said.

He added, "It’s the same way we have asked the banks to be able to extend the time for loan payments for these same landlords…for these homes…So I think there should be a process."

Landlords have been accused of breaching leases by raising rent or asking their tenants to leave. In some cases, tenants say it is unfair given that they are trying to 'make do' in some of the apartments which are unlivable, following the deadly storm on September 6.

One of the issues faced by authorities is that there is no regulation legally barring these unscrupulous landlords.

Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture, said that this is the time for government to act.

"Premier it's also an opportune time very much in my opinion, for us to start to look at the law surrounding this type of situation, because the position will vary from landlord to landlord. I know you are a very kind man and so you may make certain exceptions, but another landlord may not do the same thing," Hon. Walwyn said.

He continued, "So it's time for us to really put this issue of tenancy on a proper legal footing."

Premier Smith agrees. "You are correct. We have to do that."

Premier Smith also suggested that persons who feel exploited by their landlords can contact their district representative or the Social Development Department.

Not New

The humanity of some landlords has always been a hot topic with large scale complaints about the need for control of the cost to rent apartments.

In the past, mostly during election campaigns, politicians have called for a fairer system of regulation for both tenants and landlords, that ensures quality living conditions and fully functional commercial properties.

Back in 2013, Premier Smith had even suggested that landlords look to refinancing their mortgage loans and then pass on the relief to their tenants by lowering rent.

He had indicated that the housing issue is a difficult one as landlords often devise their rents based on their construction and mortgage costs, both of which can be pretty high in the Territory.

"My concern is the high house rent cost. With the salary some of us make and the rapid growing with house rent cost, we soon have to sleep on the streets," one of many residents had raised to Premier Smith, which resulted in his refinancing suggestion.

Sixth District Representative, Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines had also publicly raised questions about the humanity of landlords.

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