For millions of people living in rented homes across Bangladesh, understanding your legal rights is essential to preventing exploitation and ensuring a peaceful living environment. In early 2026, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) issued a groundbreaking set of 16 directives based on the House Rent Control Act of 1991 to clarify and enforce the rights of tenants. This guide breaks down those protections in simple terms.
1. Protection Against Arbitrary Rent Hikes
The most significant protection for tenants in 2026 concerns how and when your rent can be increased.
- The Two-Year Rule: Under the new guidelines, a landlord cannot increase your rent more than once every two years. Once a rent amount is fixed, it must remain effective for the next 24 months.
- Fair Rent Limit: Any rent adjustment must be based on mutual discussion, and the annual rent increase is legally capped at 15% of the property's prevailing market value.
- Revision Timing: DNCC guidelines suggest that any rent revisions should ideally occur at the start of the fiscal year (June–July) to align with city tax cycles.
2. Limits on Advance Payments and Deposits
Landlords often demand large sums of money before a tenant moves in, which can be a significant financial burden.
- Maximum Advance: Legally, a landlord is prohibited from taking more than one to three months’ rent as an advance or security deposit. Any demand beyond this is a violation of current directives.
- Security Deposit Refund: Upon the expiration of your tenancy, you are entitled to a full refund of your security deposit, provided there are no outstanding utility bills or damages beyond "normal wear and tear."
3. Your Right to Security and Access
Your home should be a place where you feel safe and have unrestricted access.
- Keys to the Gate and Roof: In view of increasing fire and safety risks, landlords must provide each tenant with their own keys to the building’s main gate and the rooftop.
- Unrestricted Entry: Tenants have the right to enter their homes at any time. If a landlord implements new security or "curfew" measures, they must inform you and seek your opinion before doing so.
- Habitable Conditions: The landlord is legally obligated to ensure the house is fit for habitation. This includes providing uninterrupted access to electricity, gas, and water, as well as arranging for daily household waste collection.
4. Documentation and Payment Rules
Proper paperwork is your best defense in a legal dispute.
- Written Agreements: Every tenancy must be backed by a written rental agreement that clearly specifies the rent amount, advance payment, and termination terms.
- Rent Receipts: While you are expected to pay your rent by the 10th of every month, the landlord is legally required to provide you with a signed written receipt for every payment. Always collect and save these receipts.
5. Eviction Protection and Notice Periods
A landlord cannot simply "throw you out" without following due process.
- Two-Month Notice: For residential buildings, both the landlord and the tenant must provide at least a two-month written notice to terminate the contract.
- No Direct Eviction: Even if a tenant fails to pay rent regularly, the landlord is prohibited from carrying out a direct or forced eviction. They must first provide a verbal warning, followed by a formal two-month written notice to vacate.
6. How to Resolve a Dispute
If your rights are being violated, you have several avenues for help:
- Ward-Based Associations: New guidelines encourage the formation of ward-level landlord and tenant associations to mediate disputes locally.
- Zonal Executive Officer (ZEO): If a dispute cannot be settled at the ward level, you can report the matter to the Zonal Executive Officer of your City Corporation zone for a formal resolution.
- The Rent Controller: You can also seek intervention from the government-appointed Rent Controller to address illegal rent hikes or unfair practices.
Being an informed tenant is the first step toward a secure home. If you are looking for verified listings and landlords who respect tenant rights, start your search on Varadibo.com, Bangladesh's trusted rental marketplace.
