DNCC directs no rent increase for two years; tenants must pay by the 10th

To curb the annual practice of increasing house rent at the start of the year, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has issued directives prohibiting rent hikes before two years. Tenants are also instructed to pay rent by the 10th of each month.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced the guidelines at a press conference on “Release of Dhaka House Rent Guidelines” held at Gulshan-2 Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday.

He said landlords often raise rent in January, but the logical time for revision is the beginning of the fiscal year, June–July. Rent adjustments should align with tax rate changes, as city corporation taxes are based on rental value.

The DNCC guidelines, issued under the House Rent Control Act, 1991, include the following key points:

1. Houses must be fit for habitation.
2. Landlords must ensure uninterrupted utilities, waste collection, and resolve tenant complaints immediately.
3. Greenery (flowers, fruits, vegetables) may be planted on rooftops, verandas, and open spaces with landlord approval.
4. Landlords must provide tenants conditional access to rooftops and main gates for safety during disasters.
5. Rent must be paid by the 10th of each month, with landlords issuing a signed written receipt.
6. Tenants may enter the house at any time; security measures require tenant consultation.
7. Standard rent is valid for two years; revisions may occur in June–July through mutual agreement.
8. Rent cannot be increased within two years; post two years, increases must be agreed upon mutually.
9. Late payment will first receive verbal warning, then written notice for arrears or eviction if unpaid.
10. Residential agreements may be terminated by either party with two months’ notice.
11. Annual rent must not exceed 15% of the property’s market value.
12. Written agreements must specify rent terms, increases, deposits, and vacating conditions.
13. Advance rent may not exceed one to three months.
14. Ward-based landlord and tenant associations should be formed to arbitrate disputes.
15. Disputes unresolved at the ward level must be reported to the regional executive officer.
16. DNCC will raise awareness among landlords and tenants and organize zone-based discussions to ensure compliance with the guidelines.