Tenant Reform Act
From "The Landlord and Tenant Act 2025"
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Public Comment: Strengthening Laws to Hold Landlords Accountable for Property Maintenance!
It is time for the Government of Bermuda to take urgent and decisive action to protect tenants from negligent landlords who fail to maintain their rental properties in safe and livable conditions.
Too many Bermudians are being forced to live in homes that are unsafe, unsanitary, and damaging to their health — while landlords continue to collect rent without accountability. This is unacceptable and must be addressed through strong legislation that holds property owners responsible for maintaining their rental units to a basic, enforceable standard.
I strongly urge the Ministry responsible for land and rent matters to introduce a law that:
Requires landlords to conduct regular maintenance and keep their rental properties in a livable, safe, and sanitary condition;
Allows tenants to formally report maintenance neglect without fear of retaliation;
Imposes fines, property tax increases, or other financial penalties on landlords who ignore maintenance responsibilities or fail to correct reported violations;
Establishes an enforcement system where repeat offenders face escalating penalties or possible restrictions on renting out their property.
Neglecting these issues endangers the health and safety of our community and contributes to housing instability across Bermuda. Landlords who profit from rental income must also bear the legal and moral responsibility of providing habitable living conditions.
This is not just a tenant issue — it’s a matter of public health, fairness, and human dignity. Every resident deserves the right to live in a home that is safe and properly maintained. The Government must act swiftly to modernize Bermuda’s rental laws and protect its people.
Let’s make it clear: If you choose to be a landlord in Bermuda, you must also choose to be responsible.
— A Concerned Citizen and Advocate for Fair Housing in Bermuda
