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by pltm
(PLTM) - All the blame should not fall at the footsteps of landlords, as tenants are also in the wrong, according to one government member.
Landlords have been receiving a public bashing for the way in which they have been conducting business post Hurricane Irma. However, Hon. Archibald Christian, Junior Minister of Tourism, said that landlords are also complaining about tenants.
Speaking in the House of Assembly last week, Hon. Christian, who did not list the specific complaints made by landlords, said that some tenants have been acting outside of their contractual arrangements.
“…The concerns from tenants (including) allegations that rents are being increased; landlords putting tenants out; landlords pressuring tenants; and vice versa,” he said.
He added, “(Because) you have some tenants doing some things that are perhaps not considered right under whatever contractual arrangement that they may have and the time has come for us to listen.”
The At-Large Representative believes that there is an urgent need for a Tenants and Landlord legislation, which provides protection for both parties.
“Because you have issues on both sides…”
Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture appeared to have sided with the tenants.
“We have situations where landlords are putting tenants out for simple things like windows; you cannot find a carpenter in the country, where are you going to go? I got calls with people telling me that they don’t have any windows, doors, but landlords want their full rent,” he lamented.
Hon. Walwyn commented that the same energy they have for financial services legislation, they should have for laws to govern landlords.
