The Consumer Council of Fiji received 54 complaints from 1st January last year till date against some residential landlords who are trying to illegally increase rent.
They say, unfortunately when tenants refuse to pay the increased rent or report the matter to the Council, the landlord hands them an eviction notice using the excuse for renovations.
They add such tactics are used to suppress tenants from exercising their legal rights and to smartly increase the rent to unsuspecting new tenants.
The Council is reiterating to landlords that they must provide duly executed tenancy agreements and receipts for all rent payments to tenants.
The Council is also reminding tenants to act responsibly and read and understand the tenancy agreement before signing and moving into the rental property.
Meanwhile, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission have announced the extension of the rent freeze policy which will now run till the 31st of December this year.
