Staff Correspondent
Bangladesh, Jan 20, 2026: Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has introduced a new set of guidelines aimed at regulating house rent in the capital, placing limits on how frequently and how much landlords can increase rent.
The guidelines were announced on Tuesday afternoon at a press briefing held at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban, where DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz outlined the key provisions. The directive has been formulated in line with the House Rent Control Act, 1991, according to city authorities.
Under the new rules, landlords will not be allowed to increase rent before a minimum period of two years. Even after that period, rent adjustments can only be made during June and July. Additionally, the total annual rent of a residential property must not exceed 15 percent of its prevailing market value.
DNCC officials said the guidelines are mandatory for both landlords and tenants. In case of disputes related to rent, either party may seek resolution through the regional executive officer assigned to their respective DNCC zone.
Explaining the background of the decision, Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said Dhaka’s housing pressure has intensified over the years. Despite the city housing an estimated 35 million people, the combined number of residential buildings in Dhaka North and South remains between 2 to 2.5 million, making a large portion of city dwellers dependent on rented accommodation.
He noted that rural-to-urban migration, private relocation, and the concentration of administrative and economic opportunities in Dhaka have placed significant strain on the housing sector.
He added that while international standards suggest housing costs should not exceed 30 percent of a household’s income, many residents of Dhaka are currently spending between 50 and 65 percent of their earnings on rent.
Mohammad Ejaz also pointed out that ambiguities and weak enforcement mechanisms surrounding the House Rent Control Act, 1991 have allowed repeated and excessive rent hikes over the years. At the same time, he said, the rights and livelihoods of landlords have not always received adequate protection, creating imbalance in the rental market.
The newly issued guidelines include detailed responsibilities for both parties. Landlords are required to keep rental properties habitable and ensure uninterrupted access to utilities such as gas, electricity, and water, along with regular household waste collection. Any reported issues must be addressed promptly.
The guidelines also encourage landlords and tenants—subject to prior approval—to engage in greenery initiatives on rooftops, balconies, and open spaces. For safety reasons, especially considering fire hazards and natural disasters, landlords are instructed to provide tenants with conditional access to rooftop and main gate keys.
Tenants are required to pay rent within the first 10 days of each month, while landlords must issue written receipts as proof of payment. Advance rent cannot exceed one to three months, and all rental agreements must be documented in writing, clearly stating rent terms, advance payments, rent revision conditions, and notice periods.
The directive further outlines eviction procedures, notice requirements for contract termination, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Ward- and zone-based landlord and tenant associations are to be formed, with mediation at the local level prioritized before escalating matters to DNCC officials.
DNCC authorities said awareness campaigns and zone-based consultation meetings will be organized to ensure both landlords and tenants understand and comply with the guidelines, with the aim of creating a more balanced and transparent rental market in Dhaka.
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