Cabinet gives nod for repeal of Rent Act, new bill coming

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A new bill to regulate rent in Delhi will be introduced in Parliament, with the Union Cabinet on Thursday giving in-principle approval to repeal the Act of 1958.

The 1958 Act was sought to be replaced by a legislation in 1995 but that was not notified even after enactment because of huge controversy with tenants being up in arms over it.

“In-principle approval was given for withdrawal of the (rent) bill,” information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting today.

However, no details were given about the new bill that will be brought to replace the earlier act.

The Act of 1995 was to replace the archaic law of 1958 that protected the migrant population from arbitrary rent hikes by landlords.

The law, while giving protection to the tenants who pay paltry rent, was seen as serving as an instrument for harassment of landlords who became helpless and could not increase rent despite massive inflation.