The Ministry of Home Affairs today announced the opening of a public consultation on the draft 2025 Landlord and Tenant Bill, inviting feedback from residents, landlords, tenants, and industry stakeholders.
The public consultation opened today and will remain active until October 31, 2025. Feedback can be submitted online at www.forum.gov.bm.
The proposed legislation repeals and replaces the Landlord and Tenant Act 1974 and the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Act 1978. It marks a key step in delivering on the Government’s commitment to “complete the amendments to the Landlord and Tenant Act to support mutually positive rental relationships”.
The draft Bill proposes a single, modern framework to govern rental housing in Bermuda. It aims to enhance fairness, increase transparency, and protect the rights of both tenants and landlords.
Notably, it expands the enforcement powers of the Rent Commission, enabling stronger oversight and faster resolution of complaints.
Today the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, said, “Bermuda must evolve its laws to meet present-day realities. This Bill modernises our rental legislation in direct response to what we’ve heard; from renters struggling to get repairs addressed, to landlords calling for greater consistency and clarity. By reducing red tape, clarifying rights and responsibilities, and strengthening resolution processes, we believe this Bill lays the foundation for a more stable and equitable rental market.”
This consultation is part of the Government’s broader housing agenda, which includes expanding affordable housing, offering targeted duty relief for construction, and delivering sustained cost of living relief.
It also builds on months of targeted engagement by the Ministry with stakeholder groups, including realtors, landlords’ associations, and tenant organisations.
Minister Lightbourne concluded, “This reform demonstrates our commitment to deliver meaningful relief and reflect the lived realities of our people. We are focused on creating a clear and fair framework that works for Bermuda today. All residents are invited to share their views to help ensure that the final Bill reflects the needs of the entire community. With your help, we will deliver people-first reform and solutions.”