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

Government Urged to Close Rent Cap Loophole in Malta

A parliamentary petition is calling on the Maltese government to seal a loophole in the rent laws that allows some landlords to avoid the 5% annual rent increase cap by replacing tenants every year. This loophole encourages frequent tenant turnover instead of stable tenancies.

Petition Details and Solutions

The petition, open for signatures until 27 December and having garnered nearly 500 signatures so far, proposes that the rent increase cap should apply even when tenants are replaced. It also demands stronger measures to stop landlords from terminating leases solely to increase rents.

Background and Initiator

Patricia Graham launched the petition. She founded the EU Nationals and Malta Residents Advisory Group in 2012, originally to address utility bill disputes. Over time, the group broadened its scope to tackle issues such as tenancy problems faced by both EU and non-EU foreign nationals living and working in Malta.

Context of Rent Cap in Malta

In 2019, Malta introduced a 5% cap on annual rent increases amid a substantial rise in the number of people living in rented accommodation—a trend that has continued to increase since then.

"The petition suggests ensuring the cap on rent increases stays in place even if a tenant is replaced."
"Authorities are urged to encourage longer-term leases and stronger tenant protections to reduce frequent moves and associated hardships."

Author's summary: The petition highlights how a loophole in Malta's rent laws enables frequent tenant replacement to bypass rent caps, urging reforms for fairer, more stable housing conditions.

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Newsbook Newsbook — 2025-11-02

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