The Premises Rent Control Act, 1991 has rules on standard rent, advances and receipts. Here is what it says, how it works in practice and what tenants can do.
The law that applies
Residential tenancies in Bangladesh are covered by the Premises Rent Control Act, 1991 (বাড়ি ভাড়া নিয়ন্ত্রণ আইন, ১৯৯১). It lets a Rent Controller fix a fair 'standard rent' for a property and sets duties for landlords and tenants.
This article is general information, not legal advice. The exact wording of the Act, later rules and court decisions decide any particular case.
Standard rent and increases
The Act aims to keep rent at a reasonable standard rent. As it is commonly read, the standard rent should not be raised more often than once every two years, and either a landlord or a tenant can apply to the Rent Controller to have it fixed.
Advance, receipts and eviction
- An advance of more than one month's rent is not permitted under the Act
- The landlord should give a signed receipt for every rent payment
- A tenant who pays rent and follows the agreement can only be evicted on the grounds and through the process the Act sets out
What happens in practice
Many agreements include yearly increases and larger advances, and few tenants apply to the Rent Controller. Enforcement is limited and the process can be slow, so most increases are settled by negotiation. Knowing the rules still helps you negotiate and recognise an unreasonable demand.
What you can do
- Ask for any increase in writing, with the new amount and start date
- Check your agreement for an increase clause and notice period
- Compare with similar flats nearby on BariViews before agreeing
- Keep every rent receipt and payment record
- For a serious dispute, get advice from a lawyer or a legal aid organisation
Compare typical rents by area
These guides offer general information, not a property endorsement or personalised professional advice. Examples are illustrative; confirm current costs and important details yourself. Contact the team
