Rent relief for tenants

THOUSANDS of tenants across the country will heave a sigh of relief after the Supreme Court yesterday ruled that it is illegal for landlords to charge rent deposit, goodwill or any other non-refundable amounts on any rented premises.

The ruling could open a Pandora’s box as property owners were cashing in on lodgers by charging non-refundable deposits when letting out residential or commercial property.

But, Judge of Appeal Justice Bharat Patel yesterday ruled: “It is illegal to charge any deposits or other fee which is non-refundable apart from rent itself and this is inclusive of charging goodwill.

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