Landlords to build collapsed homes

The Bombay Rents, Hotel and Lodging House rates control-Gujarat amendment Bill 2001 passed in the House on Tuesday came under intense scrutiny by the Opposition. The bill aimed at assisting tenants whose constructions had collapsed during the earthquake provides that the landlord should reconstruct the house within a period of one year tailing which the state government will acquire the land and themselves provide accommodation to the tenants.

Urban housing minister Narottam patel introducing the bill in the House said the state government reserves the right to give an extension of 12 more months to fulfil this obligation after which the state government in an effort to protect the rights of the tenants will acquire the land and construct houses for them. He said tenants have been rendered homeless and have no respite after the earthquake which has compelled the state government to protect their rights.

The Act that was due to expire on March 31, 2001 is being extended to March 2011 by the state government. As per the provisions of the Act the landlord at the original site should erect any premises rendered unfit for use or destroyed due to earthquake or any natural calamity and the ant shall have right to occupy a tenement in the new construction. The act denies any right to recover possession of the premises even on the grounds of non payment of standard rent and permitted increase during the period for which the premises remain out of use. In case the landlord fails to construct premises within the specified time or any extensions granted the state government will have to pay compensation to the landlord for acquisition of land.

Republished from The Indian Expresse