After years of worries, a new tenancy reform has come into effect in Chandigarh, which is said to be an extension of the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021.
The sources say that nearly 50% of the population lives in rented accommodation. The new framework is said to bring relief to tenants and owners of the property. As the reform is presented as modern, landlord-tenant-friendly, with faster dispute resolution and greater transparency, it is intended to increase the rental housing supply.
The framework replaces the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1947. As it feels outdated and not suited for the current period. Officials said that the act will be fully operational within a month, featuring a dedicated Rent Authority and a web portal for the registration of deeds.
Additionally, in case a tenant continues to occupy premises after the expiry of the tenancy period, then the tenant is liable to double the rent.
H Rajesh Prasad, UT Chief Secretary, said, “Mandatory written tenancy agreements will ensure that rent, duration, revision, and other key conditions are clearly specified upfront, thereby reducing disputes.”
Officials said that it will enhance transparency and is expected to become a more efficient system. It also spells out grounds for eviction, including non-payment of rent, misuse of premises, unauthorized changes in structures, and genuine requirement of legal heirs after the landlord’s death or sale of property, where possession becomes necessary.
Further, as there has been no direct opposition to the new framework, sources say that the people question the reason for choosing a framework from Assam, instead of creating one. As the states are completely different both socially and economically.
Sourced from The Indian Express.
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