Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has announced that the Government is taking steps to terminate agreements and repossess social housing flats that have been rented out in violation of their terms.

The Minister’s statement follows reports that some recipients of social housing units have listed their apartments for rent at high prices.

Currently, the government is in the process of handing over 4,000 housing units developed by the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), following the completion of finishing works. To date, 78 individuals have received their flats. However, several of these units have reportedly been advertised on social media for rent, with some three-bedroom apartments listed for as high as MVR 25,000 per month, more than double the Government’s subsidised rent.

In a post shared on social media, Minister Dr Muththalib reiterated that social housing units are developed using public funds and leased at subsidised rates to ensure housing affordability. He emphasised that the government will not tolerate the renting of such properties for profit or their use for purposes other than residential occupancy by the recipients.

The Minister further confirmed that inspections of the allocated social housing units will commence soon, in collaboration with relevant Government agencies, to identify and address such violations.