The Government has proposed a new bill to legally ban the renting out of properties allocated under its social housing schemes.

Introduced in Parliament by Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed on behalf of the Government, the bill was debated by lawmakers to establish a more responsible and sustainable housing system across the country.

The bill aims to ensure that all Maldivians have access to adequate housing, particularly those with limited financial resources. It addresses a growing concern that recipients of social housing have been renting out their units, often at high prices, which defeats the purpose of providing subsidised housing for those in genuine need. Currently, there is no comprehensive legal framework to regulate housing standards or hold tenants and housing providers accountable, with regulations previously governed by administrative rules.

Under the proposed law, social housing units must be used by the individuals or families to whom they are allocated. This would prohibit renting out or sub-leasing these social housing units. Transfers of ownership will only be permitted once the full value of the unit has been paid, and only to a spouse or child of the original allottee, as per the proposed bill.

The bill also outlines the development of a legal framework for setting standards and basic amenities for housing projects. It provides mechanisms for monitoring compliance and taking necessary action against violations. The law is intended to guide how housing is distributed, especially in prioritising the most vulnerable families who lack stable accommodation.

In addition to regulatory measures, the bill mandates the creation of a housing fund within 90 days of the act coming into effect. This fund is intended to support families with insufficient housing by financing government-run housing projects, providing loans, and helping develop affordable housing solutions. The fund will be sourced from government budget allocations, international aid, and contributions from housing projects specifically targeted at addressing the housing shortage.