Get the Facts – Guidelines for Tenants and Landlords

The Rent Assessment Board recommends the following guidelines towards maintaining a harmonious relationship between tenants and landlords.

• The property should be kept in a habitable state
• Deliberate destruction of the property, such as the cutting down of trees is illegal
• Amenities should not be used in a wasteful manner
• Subletting should not be done without the permission of the landlord
• Rent must be paid by the due date
• The landlord must be notified before the tenant vacates the property
• If a tenant has incurred costs for electricity, gas, or any services supplied to the tenant on the property, he or she is entitled to reimbursement
• The tenant should to allow the landlord/agent to inspect the property and carry out repairs, if necessary
• If the tenant is unable to pay the rent the landlord should not sue for payment, unless it is at least 30 days overdue
• Tenants should not be subjected to harassment by the landlord through means such as changing the locks on doors, barring doors, blocking entrances, disconnecting or tampering with utilities or sexual advances

For additional information contact:

The Rent Assessment Board
The Towers
25 Dominica Drive
Kingston
Telephone: (876) 906-4100
Email: rentboard@mtw.gov.jm
Website: rentassessmentboardjm.com