Union seeks lower rent and payment relief for 4,000 flats
Earlier this week, the Housing Development Corporation announced a rent waiver for Hiyaa flats as part of a housing policy measure.
Fahi Union, representing residents of 4,000 housing units in Hulhumalé Phase 2, has called for a reduction in rent to previous rates and a deferment of monthly payments.
The flats were allocated towards the end of the previous administration, with agreements signed with most recipients during that period.
According to the union, the initial monthly rates were set at MVR 6,000 for two-bedroom units and MVR 8,000 for three-bedroom units, inclusive of maintenance fees.
Under revised agreements introduced by the current administration, the rent has been set at MVR 7,000 for two-bedroom units and MVR 10,000 for three-bedroom units.
In a statement, Fahi Union called on the government to reinstate the earlier rates.
The union also requested the removal of the down payment requirement and proposed extending the current three-month grace period to six months or one year.
It stated that residents face costs associated with moving into the flats and cited economic conditions in making the request.
Fahi Union raised concerns regarding residential registration, stating that the Malé City Council has informed residents that they cannot be registered under the current lease agreements.
The union called for the agreements to be converted into hire-purchase or sale arrangements, in line with other housing schemes.
It also referred to recent decisions to reduce rent for Hiyaa flats, Vinares flats and other housing units, and called for similar measures to be applied to the Phase 2 flats.
The statement urged the government to ensure equal treatment for residents of the 4,000 units.
Earlier this week, the Housing Development Corporation announced a rent waiver for Hiyaa flats as part of a housing policy measure.
The government had previously deducted MVR 100,000 from the total price of Hiyaa flats and adjusted rent payments accordingly.
