An appeal has been made to the government to reduce rent for the 4,000 Fahi flats developed in Hulhumale' by the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).
Fahi Union issued a statement calling for rent reductions and a postponement of rent collection. A demonstration was also held on the issue last night, while former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih raised concerns at an opposition Maldivian Democratic Party campaign rally.
According to the union, monthly rent for two-bedroom flats in Hulhumale' Phase 2 was previously set at MVR 6,000, including maintenance, and MVR 8,000 for three-bedroom units. Under the current government, these were increased to MVR 7,000 and MVR 10,000 respectively.
The union has called for rents to be reverted to previous levels and for down payments to be reduced. It also proposed extending the current three-month grace period to six months or one year, and converting agreements for the flats into a sales agreement.
Fahi Union noted that under the Hiyaa social housing scheme, flats became the property of residents upon signing agreements, and rent payments were deferred for a year during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to reduce the rent of these 4,000 flats, as was done for Hulhumale' Phase 1, Hiyaa flats, Vinares flats and other social housing units across the country,” the union said, adding that such a move would ensure fairness and ease the financial burden on residents.
Solih also said the government should consider reducing rents if it does not impose an additional fiscal burden.
Last week, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) waived two years’ rent for Hiyaa flats, in line with a campaign pledge by President Muizzu to compensate residents for finishing work carried out on the units.
