Gov’t threatens termination, repossession over subletting of Gedhoruveriyaa flats
Social media advertisements revealed Gedhoruveriyaa flats being sublet at inflated rates up to MVR 25,000 monthly
Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib speaking to press
The government has issued a firm warning that it will terminate housing agreements and repossess flats allocated under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme if they are found to be sublet or used by unauthorized occupants.
This announcement follows the circulation of rental advertisements on social media offering Gedhoruveriyaa flats at inflated prices, with some listings demanding as much as MVR 25,000 per month. These developments have raised serious concerns about abuse of a program designed to provide affordable housing to citizens in need.
The Gedhoruveriyaa flats are distributed under a subsidized social housing initiative, funded by public resources. The properties are allocated at reduced rates, with the expectation that recipients use them as their primary residence. Under the terms of the agreement, subletting or allowing third parties to occupy the units is strictly prohibited.
In response to growing evidence of violations, the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure has announced plans to conduct inspections in coordination with relevant authorities. These inspections aim to identify recipients who are breaching the terms of their contracts, particularly through unauthorized rentals.
Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), the body responsible for managing the Gedhoruveriyaa flats, has also reiterated that any subletting or misuse will lead to immediate repossession. The corporation emphasized that the housing units are intended for those most in need, and any attempt to profit from the scheme undermines its core purpose.
The Gedhoruveriyaa project includes 4,000 flats, comprising both two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. Monthly payments for two-bedroom flats are set at MVR 7,000, with an additional MVR 1,000 for maintenance. Three-bedroom flats require MVR 9,000 in rent and MVR 1,500 for maintenance. Security deposits range from MVR 15,000 to MVR 25,000, depending on the unit type.
Tenants are required to make payments before the 10th of each month, with penalties imposed for late payments. FDC has confirmed that subletting constitutes a direct breach of the housing agreement and will result in contract termination and reclamation of the property.
The government has signaled a zero-tolerance approach to such violations, as it seeks to uphold the integrity of its social housing policy and ensure that public resources benefit their intended recipients.
