Dominic Azzopardi, a 57-year-old man from Marsaxlokk, was fined €4,000 for failing to register a lease agreement, as required by law. This legal issue arose after the tenant sought a subsidy from the Housing Authority and was informed that she was ineligible due to the unregistered contract.

The tenant, a foreign national who moved to Malta for work, had signed a lease agreement with Azzopardi on 4th February 2022 for a monthly rent of €600, with a €400 deposit. However, when the lease was up for renewal, Azzopardi refused to provide receipts, declined contract renewal, and requested the tenant to vacate the apartment.

During the court proceedings, the tenant clarified that she was not a tourist but a resident in Malta. Azzopardi claimed that she was a tourist who rented the apartment during her holiday and initially signed a two-month lease, which she sought to renew later.

Azzopardi argued that he tried to register the contract but faced issues with the Housing Authority’s online platform. However, the court emphasized that under the Private Residential Leases Act, all lease agreements must be registered regardless of duration.

Magistrate Joseph Gatt, presiding over the case, noted that Azzopardi’s failure to admit fault earlier led to the imposed fine of €4,000. The court highlighted the legal obligation to register leases and disregarded Azzopardi’s claims about the tenant’s status and contract duration. Inspector Gabriel Kitcher led the prosecution.

#MaltaDaily