Title

Petition to the Government of Malta: Ensuring Tenant Security and Fair Rent Increases

Date

22-10-2025

Date petition closes for signatures

27-12-2025

Creator of petition

PATRICIA MARGARET GRAHAM

Grievance

We, Maltese residents and community members, submit this petition regarding the 5% annual rent increase policy. While intended to balance landlord and tenant interests, many landlords are bypassing this cap by ending leases and raising rents significantly for new tenants—sometimes by over 50%. This practice causes instability, forcing families to relocate and disrupting lives.

Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to

Our Requests:
1. Tie the 5% rent increase directly to the original amount registered with the Housing Authority, regardless of whether a lease is renewed or a new tenant moves in.
2. Introduce measures to prevent contract terminations used solely to raise rents, with improved enforcement by the Housing Authority.
3. Encourage longer-term leases and stronger tenant protections to reduce frequent moves and associated hardships.
Rationale
These steps will close loopholes, protect tenants from sharp rent hikes, and promote rental market stability. Tenants will gain security, and families can plan their futures without fear of displacement.
Conclusion
We ask the government to strengthen tenant protections and ensure a fairer, more stable rental market for all.

Closing remarks

Rising rental costs are driving up the cost of living and pushing many people toward poverty. Families often share a single bedroom for €800–€1100 a month and hesitate to sign leases longer than a year due to fears of unaffordable rent increases. Legislating a 5% increase for each lease duration based on the most recently registered rent is a straightforward measure.