Paying a security deposit when one goes to rent a premises has become almost commonplace in Jamaica; however, the act is illegal under the Rent Restrictions Act.
In a recent interview with Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Cecile Croll, director of the Rent Board, said that the practice was not allowed under law. "Section 24 (1) of the Rent Restrictions Act prohibits landlords from demanding security deposits. However, this practice is widespread and the recommendation is that this be allowed under the revised 'Rent Act' which has been in the drafting stage for some time," a JIS release said.
In addition, the JIS release stated that all landlords are required to register their properties with the Rent Board. All landlords are to register their premises under the Rent Restrictions Act with the Rent Assessment Board. "The Rent Restrictions Act requires that all
rented premises in Jamaica be registered with the Rent Assessment Board for the purpose of assessment and regulations," the release said.
Apply for exemption
According to the release, Croll said that it was untrue that units built after 1980 are outside of the jurisdiction of the Rent Board. She instead said that owners of commercial premises built after this time could apply for and receive exemptions from the board, which will grant them a certificate of exemption. However, only the minister can authorise exemptions under the act for residential premises.
The cost to register a premises under the act is only $20.
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