Some of the Hiyaa Flat recipients have started to rent the flats out on daily rates.
These flats are handed over under the social housing scheme, to people with housing issues. However some recipients have began leasing these flats, first at rates higher than the monthly amount the government charges, and then later leasing on a daily basis as well.
As per a listing on "iBay" the Maldivian equivalent to the popular shopping and bidding platform eBay, a Hiyaa Flat had been listed as available for daily rent. It stated the flat was fully furnished and its two rooms could be available to rent separately as well.
The room with the air conditioner was being rented for a daily rate of MVR 650, while the room without the air conditioner was rented at MVR 450.
When Mihaaru news called the phone number on the listing, they were informed that both rooms were currently booked. They also said it was unclear when they would become available again.
The state charges MVR 7,500 per month for the Hiyaa Flats for a period of 20 years. An additional MVR 1,000 is charged as a service fee as well. There was general outrage that the rent was too high and multiple calls by those living in the Hiyaa flats to reduce the rate.
However the lowest rate at which the Hiyaa Flats were being rented for, at least on public platforms, are for MVR 10,000 per month.
Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam has reiterated that it is prohibited to lease these flats, that were awarded as residential locations. While it is noted that it is illegal to rent the flats to third parties in the agreements, Aslam had also said there was no way to take legal action against such people.
The ministry has previously stated that action will be taken against those leasing Hiyaa flats. However, the concern of the recipients of the flats is that the flats were handed over before they were completely finished, and they had to spend a significant amount to ensure they were suitable to live in. Therefore they do not see a problem in leasing the flats.
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