SANTO DOMINGO- Attorney Reyna Echenique believes the idea of Temporary Housing, suggested by the Ministry of Housing for inclusion in the General Law on Real Estate Rentals and Evictions, is misguided because it would create a bigger social problem, as many tenants could take advantage of the situation and stay longer than stipulated in the rental contract in order to declare bankruptcy.
"Where are they going to get the temporary housing from? Who is going to build it? The State with tax money?" the specialist asked, after stating that the tenants would be waiting for a house that who knows when they would receive it.
The Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings (MIVHED) has suggested to the Chamber of Deputies that certain aspects of the General Law on Real Estate Rentals and Evictions be amended. The law was approved in its first reading by the lower house last May. The proposal seeks to create a fund to provide temporary housing for those unable to pay their rent.
Regarding the bill's provisions against discriminating against tenants based on race or condition, the real estate advisor also applauds the idea, considering that this situation is currently very common, not only among landlords but also among condominium administrators.
“Regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity or sex, every human being needs a roof over their head, and if they have the resources to pay rent because they cannot currently afford to buy one, why deny them that opportunity?”.
The Association of Housing Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI) joined the institutions that requested amendments to the project, such as the one that suggests increasing the price when improvements are made to the home, but not exceeding 20%.
“I believe the rent should be increased even if there are no improvements, because inflation exists and it doesn't give any warning. Every year inflation increases and the value of the rent payment for each landlord “shrinks” as a result,” Echenique responds.
Note that the project, which is going to public hearings in the National Congress today, June 27, has some weaknesses and areas with legal gaps that need to be strengthened to attract more real estate investments.
“Both the owner, who needs legal security in their property rights and who is not affected as such, and the tenant, who has a right to use the property, feel protected, and there is fair equity for both parties, allowing for more and better business deals that ultimately boost the country's economy, encourage the construction of properties for these purposes, and promote real estate investment by both locals and foreigners,” the expert explains.
