No rent hike within 2yrs; tenants to get roof access

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has set a minimum two-year interval for increasing house rent and tenants must be provided with keys to the building’s roof and main gate under a newly issued directive.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz confirmed the development while speaking to journalists at the DNCC headquarters in Gulshan-2 on Tuesday.

Under the new policy, rent revisions will only be allowed during a specific period of the fiscal year, between June and July.

The guideline clearly outlines the responsibilities of landlords, making it mandatory for them to keep rented properties habitable, ensure uninterrupted utility services—gas, electricity and water—and arrange regular household waste collection. Landlords will also be encouraged to allow greenery on rooftops, balconies or other open spaces.

For security reasons, landlords will be required to provide tenants with keys to the rooftop and the main gate under certain conditions.

The directive also defines tenants’ responsibilities. Tenants must pay rent by the 10th of each month and collect a written receipt. Their right of access to the rented premises will remain protected, while landlords will be obliged to inform tenants in advance of any changes or security-related measures.

According to the guideline, a fixed standard rent will remain valid for two years, during which no rent increase will be permitted. Any adjustment after this period must be made through mutual agreement. If a tenant fails to pay rent regularly, the landlord may cancel the agreement and proceed with eviction after issuing a written notice.

It also stipulates that any annual rent increase must not exceed 15 per cent of the market value of the property.

All terms and conditions between landlords and tenants must be documented in a written agreement. Advance rent will be limited to a maximum of one to three months.

In addition, local landlord and tenant associations will be formed to handle arbitration and dispute resolution, while the city corporation will provide ward-level assistance to help resolve conflicts.

NSA