Government urged to end rent cap loophole that can see tenants evicted

Government Urged to Close Rent Cap Loophole Leading to Tenant Evictions

Through a parliamentary petition, the government is called upon to close a loophole in Malta's rent laws that allows some landlords to evict tenants and replace them yearly to bypass the 5% annual rent increase cap. The petition, open for signatures until 27 December and having gathered nearly 500 so far, proposes that the cap on rent hikes should apply even when tenants change.

It also demands measures to stop contract terminations that serve only to raise rents, with stronger enforcement from the Housing Authority. Additionally, the petition urges authorities to promote longer-term leases and enhance tenant protections to reduce frequent relocations and the hardships they cause.

Origins and Background of the Petition

The petition was initiated by Patricia Graham, founder of the EU Nationals and Malta Residents Advisory Group in 2012. Originally focused on utility bill issues, the group has expanded to tackle broader challenges faced by foreign nationals residing and working in Malta, including tenancy problems.

Context of Rent Regulation

Malta introduced the 5% cap on annual rent increases in 2019 amid a continuing rise in the number of people renting homes. Despite this, the loophole allows landlords to circumvent the cap by frequently replacing tenants.

“Ensuring the cap on rent increases continues to apply despite tenant changes is crucial to protect renters from exploitative practices,” the petition states.

Stronger regulation and enforcement are essential to safeguard tenants' rights and promote stable housing in Malta.

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Newsbook Newsbook — 2025-11-02

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