Rental complaints remain one of the biggest issues affecting consumers in the country, with 92 residential rental complaints received in the 2023–2024 financial year.
This was raised by the Consumer Council while making submissions before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.
CEO Seema Shandil says landlord and tenancy issues continue to rank among the Council’s top complaint categories.
She says despite the ongoing rent freeze order, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission annual report only recorded 92 residential rental complaints nationwide during the 2023–2024 financial year.
She says the low number of complaints raises concerns about whether tenants are too afraid to report landlords due to fear of retaliation or eviction.
Insert: Seema Shandil on rental disputes
Shandil says many tenants may be facing difficulties but are reluctant to come forward.
She is calling for stronger enforcement measures, including anonymous reporting systems, more inspections in high-density rental areas, and better awareness campaigns to assure tenants that they can safely report issues.
The Consumer Council is also pushing for the Landlord and Tenancy Act to be introduced as soon as possible to better address rental problems faced by consumers.
