Despite tenant` protest against Malawi Housing Corporation`s decision to hike their rentals, MHC has still maintained its hiking decision that it is expected to be effective from the month of September this year.

MHC had in June reversed its decision to increase the rentals after their tenants disagreed with the news.

On Wednesday, MHC said the yet to be announced rentals have been arrived at following the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development’s directive that the corporation undertake an inquiry into the rise of rental costs to its tenants.

“The Chief Executive Officer under the direction of the Board has now completed the inquiry and has discussed the outcome with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development that the proposed rentals should be staggered.
“It has also been resolved that in adjusting the rentals, there should be a balance that ensures that the rentals are affordable to the tenant whilst MHC continues to invest and maintain its properties as well as expanding its stock,” reads the MHC statement.
MHC increased its rentals by an average 48 percent in the abandoned July 1 proposal.
The institution said the decision was due to the cost of operations and sustainability.
However, the decision did not go down well with Blantyre-based tenants who convened at Chitawira Primary School where they resolved to obtain a court injunction.
The disgruntled tenants said the rental increase was unreasonable.