Rent law proposals 'ignore social realities'

Concrete proposals on rent law reform were "at last" being made, Alternattiva Demokratika said in its first reaction to the White Paper that has just been published.

AD chairman Arnold Cassola said AD would study the proposals in detail but he observed that what stands out is the "preference being afforded to political party clubs".

"We feel that the rent law should apply equally to all citizens. The parties in Parliament already divide some €250,000 of public funds between themselves supposedly for EU related political work, so why should they be preferred over others in this matter too?

"I invite the other parties to declare whether they agree with the proposal in the White Paper or not."

Prof. Cassola said that some of the proposals would also mean the state is once again abdicating its social responsibility and transferring its responsibility onto individuals.

The €185 minimum rent per annum is risible "when thousands of people are constrained to enter into long-term mortgages to buy a place of residence". The state should step in to support vulnerable people through rent subsidies and social housing to benefit the worse off.

He said another anomaly in the White Paper is its reference to just the traditional family, ignoring completely the Maltese reality. "There is no mention of cohabiting, divorced or same-sex couples. Ignoring social realities will not make them go away. Civil rights should be equal for all."

A 20-year transition period proposed for commercial property is far too long and should be shortened drastically.

He said the reform should address three issues. It should do justice with owners of property who have been carrying a burden on behalf of the state for a long time while ensuring that the state steps in to protect the most vulnerable in society.

It should make sure the necessary conditions are created so that the 53,000 empty properties will start being utilised. And construction should be discouraged in unbuilt areas.