Malawi Housing Corporation rescinds rentals hike decision

The Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) has reversed its decision to raise rentals of its houses across the country by between 80 and 100 percent.

This comes barely few days after the tenants, under the banner MHC Tenants Association, threatened to stage mass protests over the rentals hike.

MHC spokesperson Ernestina Lunguzi confirmed the withdrawal of their rental adjustment notice issued for their tenants a week ago.

Following an average 48 percent rental hike announcement, some tenants threatened to protest and dragged the Corporation to court over the rental hike.

Lunguzi had earlier on justified that the rental adjustments were aimed at ensuring the Corporation maintains the houses for the betterment of its tenants.

The adjustments were made differently based on house location, size and class.

Lunguzi also claimed that the Corporation is now operating as a commercial entity and needs resources to keep it afloat.

But the tenants threatened to stage mass protests against the rental hike, which described as “abnormal” and not in line with current cost of living and stipulated minimum wages.

The disgruntled tenants met last Sunday at Chitawira Primary School in Blantyre where they also agreed of obtaining court injunction on the same.

The association’s Chairperson, Mervin Kaumphawi said the Corporation should be taking into consideration the rising cost of living and the minimum wage when coming up with the rental hike.