Rent Reform – Circular

The Rent Reform has passed through Parliament on Friday the 19^th June. Unfortunately none of our well thought recommendations have been included, even though we were led to think otherwise. The greatest changes that will occur are the following:

Pre-1995 commercial contracts unless a different agreement is reached after 1^st Jan 2010 or agreed in writing prior to 1^st June 1995

1^st Jan 2010 rent will increase by a fixed rate of 15%. The 15% shall increase on the 1^st of June of each year up till 31^st December 2013

On 1^st Jan 2014 rent must be agreed upon between the parties. If no agreement is reached any party may apply to the Rent Board to fix the fair rent, established according to the Property Market Value Index

If an agreement existed where rent had periodic increases, such agreement will continue to apply without any increases

2. Contract renewals

A commercial contract made before 1^st June 1995 shall in any case terminate within twenty years from 1^st June 2008 unless another contract or lease has been made laying down a specific period.

A commercial contract made before 1^st June 1995 for a specific period not yet lapsed on 1^st January 2010 and on the original date "di fermo" or "di rispetto" is still running and where it has not automatically been extended by law, then the original period of lease shall continue to apply.

A contract made between the parties prior to the 1^st June 1995 that allows for automatic renewals shall be considered as a contract for an unspecified period and shall terminate within twenty years from 1^st June 2008

GRTU feels various points of this Act go against the basic rights of business owners as stipulated by law. GRTU will therefore take the matter to court and will file a Judicial Protest on behalf of its members being affected. We are placing this complaint to support your cause.

If you would like to be included in the protest and have GRTU file its complaint on your behalf you are kindly requested to contact Abigail Mamo at GRTU.

Only those included in the Judicial Protest will be entitled to any benefits we manage to win at court.