Beijing Municipal Government has released new rules for the property rental market, aimed at regulating the sector and protecting the rights of tenants, however these do not go far enough, said a commentator.
The Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued the new Beijing Apartment Rental Contract and two other regulations on tenants and landlords, stipulating that each room shall not be less five square meters, and no more than two people can live in one room. The regulations came into effect on July 8, The Beijing News reported.
Speculators have been turning their attention to the rental market as other areas for investment have come under strict control, and the rental market has not been under proper supervision. Landlords have been raising rents out of proportion to income. Many have subdivided properties to squeeze in as many tenants as possible, and used communal living areas as bedrooms. This has led to too many people occupying one property, and to substandard safety provision. This is banned under the new laws.
Although fire has caused multiple loss of life in such properties, many low-income residents and new graduates still cram into these properties, said Wang Changlian, a commentator with the Shanghai-based news portal eastday.com.
These regulations only go some way toward protecting the rights of renters, Wang said, but more support for low-income tenants is also needed as everyone should have the right to safe, affordable housing. Renting a home is the biggest expense for people in cities, especially young workers, and they should be supported.
For instance, the construction of State-provided affordable housing for rent will increase supply and help those on low incomes, including not only local urban households with basic living allowances, but also migrant workers and new graduates . Property agencies should be transparent about costs as well when they offer properties for rent.
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