The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step towards regulating the rental market with the recent approval of a new bill by the Chamber of Deputies. The legislation aims to introduce clear guidelines and obligations for both landlords and tenants, providing much-needed structure to the country’s housing rental industry.
The primary objective of this bill is to define and regulate the legal conditions arising from the rental of real estate properties intended for residential or other uses. It addresses various aspects of rental agreements, including the definition of a rental contract as a mutual agreement between two parties to provide the use of a property in exchange for a specified price.
One of the noteworthy features of the bill is the requirement that property owners cannot rent their premises without the consent of other co-owners, ensuring that all stakeholders have a say in the process. Additionally, it mandates that landlords must provide tenants with receipts for all payments received, especially when payments are made in foreign currency, which must be stipulated in the rental contract.
The legislation also outlines circumstances under which rental contracts can be terminated. These include situations where the rented property is lost, when there is a breach of obligations or duties, or when the property is used for unlawful purposes. When a tenant wishes to terminate the contract, they must do so with one month’s notice, and this conclusion of the agreement does not absolve the landlord of their responsibilities.
The bill also specifies that tenants must tolerate any inconveniences caused by necessary repairs, which are the landlord’s responsibility. In the event that a tenant is compelled to vacate the property due to these changes, the landlord must return the property in the same condition as stipulated in the contract.
Furthermore, the bill establishes a set of obligations for tenants, including paying the rent on time, maintaining the property in good condition, refraining from making alterations that affect the property’s structure, and adhering to legal and regulatory provisions related to property usage.
In addition to these provisions, as agreed upon by the committee, the new legislation will create a specialized jurisdiction allowing for the eviction of non-paying tenants to be executed within a maximum period of two months.
It is important to note that while the bill has passed the first reading in the Chamber of Deputies, it still needs to go through further legislative processes. After further review and discussion, it will be sent to the Senate for additional scrutiny and analysis.
This move towards regulating the rental market in the Dominican Republic reflects the government’s commitment to establishing a transparent and fair system that benefits both property owners and tenants. While the bill is still in the early stages of becoming law, its initial approval is a significant step toward creating a more structured and reliable rental market in the country. This development will be closely watched by both property owners and tenants as they seek more clarity and security in their rental agreements.