MPs Push for Tough Penalties on Tenants Who Refuse to Pay Maintenance Fees in Government Housing

TDT | Manama

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MPs are pushing for tough new penalties on tenants who refuse to pay maintenance fees in government housing, arguing that freeloaders are getting a free pass while responsible residents foot the bill.

They say the current system leaves residents’ unions powerless to enforce rules, allowing some to skip payments with no consequences.

The proposal, now awaiting parliamentary debate, calls for legal backing to ensure every tenant pays their fair share or faces firm penalties.

Residents’ unions were set up to maintain shared areas in Housing Ministry flats, with all tenants expected to contribute to upkeep costs.

But MPs warn that without proper enforcement, some residents ignore their obligations, shifting the burden onto others.

Dues

“The rules need to be effective, especially when residents fail to pay their dues,” the proposal states.

The MPs argue that unions and the Housing Ministry lack the authority to act when rules are broken, making penalties necessary to uphold fairness.

They refer to Bahrain’s constitution, which guarantees housing for low-income citizens, and say better enforcement is needed to protect this right.

A series of ministerial decisions shaped the current system, including a 2010 decree that set up the unions and amendments in 2014 and 2016. However, MPs say these regulations do not go far enough.

“If the unions are expected to maintain order, they need the power to do so,” the proposal argues, calling for penalties to ensure compliance.

The proposal, submitted by MPs Hassan Ibrahim, Bader Al Tamimi, Hamad Al Doy, Abdulwahid Qarata, and Maryam Al Sayigh, is now in Parliament’s hands.