Some tenants in Malta have been subjected to shocking abuses by landlords, including demands for sexual favours, according to Solidarjetà president Matthew Attard.
Speaking in Parliament earlier this week, Attard highlighted the challenges tenants face, detailing cases reported to the union’s tenants and lessees section.
Among the most alarming abuses is sexual harassment by landlords, followed by cases of landlords illegally cutting off electricity and water or unjustly evicting tenants.
Additionally, Attard exposed a scheme where landlords, in collaboration with agents, use multiple rental contracts to evade taxes.
One of the more widespread scams involves landlords demanding a deposit before signing a lease.
If tenants raise concerns about the property, landlords cancel the agreement but refuse to return the deposit. In some cases, the property never existed, making this a full-scale fraud.
Another common issue is the inclusion of illegal clauses in rental contracts, many of which facilitate unlawful evictions. The union estimates that at least 30,000 contracts registered with the Housing Authority contain such clauses.
Attard concluded by addressing rising property prices, emphasising that discussions on the rental market must also consider the broader housing crisis affecting Malta.
Taking to Instagram, Solidarjetà stated that the union will continue to work hard on these issues and urged people to join to fight against these injustices.
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