Will stop subletting social housing flats by law: Minister

Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib stated today that flats provided under social housing schemes must not be rented or given for free to any other party, and the government will take steps to stop this practice, even if it requires amending the law.

Less than two weeks after the handover of the Gedhoruveriyaa flats began, some units have already been advertised for rent. The advertised rental prices for the three-room flats range between MVR 25,000 and MVR 30,000.

Addressing the criticism over the issue during a press conference at the President's Office today, Minister Muththalib said that Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) are working to identify individuals who are subletting the flats.

Emphasizing that the government views this as a very serious matter, Muththalib further stated that flats allocated under government housing schemes are intended for the beneficiaries' residence, based on their living conditions, and subletting them at high prices or giving them for free to another party is unacceptable. The Minister also said the government will work to find a solution, if needed through legal amendments.

"That property should not be given to another party, even for free living. It is a place given based on the condition of that family flat awarded to. That family must reside there. No one other than that family should live there. Therefore, based on that principle, we believe we can take action. If it is necessary to change the law to do this, then, God willing, we will work to bring about that change and take action," Muththalib said.

Minister Muththalib also publicized the clauses in the agreement between the Gedhoruveriyaa flat recipients and the FDC, which prohibit the flats from being rented out to a third party.

According to the agreement, the lessee is prohibited from renting the flat to a third party. Furthermore, the FDC has the authority to take action if a complaint is received regarding the flat being rented to another party.

The FDC had also issued a warning yesterday, stating that if these flats, which are provided to those most in need of housing, are sublet in violation of the agreement, the flats will be reclaimed.

Some flats handed over under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme have already been advertised for rent. However, under the agreement between the recipients and the FDC, subletting the flats is prohibited. The agreement stipulates that doing so is an act that could lead to the flat being seized.

While a three-room flat is being advertised for a high price, the rent set by the government for these units is MVR 11,500. This means the advertised rental price is MVR 13,500 higher than the government-stipulated rent.