The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General, is moving towards the introduction of the Landlord and Tenant (Residential Tenancies) Bill 2026, aimed at establishing a clearer legal framework to regulate relationships between landlords and tenants.
The proposed legislation comes in response to numerous complaints received by the Ministry from both landlords and tenants concerning issues arising from residential rental arrangements.
Among the concerns raised are increases in rental payments, arbitrary fees imposed for late payments, unpaid rent and outstanding utility bills, including electricity and water, as well as other matters relating to the responsibilities and obligations of landlords and tenants.
Similar complaints have also been brought to the attention of the Price and Consumer Affairs Division, highlighting the need for a more structured legal framework to address disputes and provide greater clarity on the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
Currently, matters relating to residential tenancies are governed by the Small Tenements Act and the Rent Restriction Act. However, these pieces of legislation are considered outdated and require modernization to reflect present-day developments and the realities of the rental housing market.
In light of these concerns, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General are inviting members of the public, particularly landlords, tenants and other interested stakeholders, to participate in a public discussion on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Parliament Building.
The consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public to express their views, share experiences and contribute recommendations that can help shape the proposed legislation.The Government is encouraging broad public participation, recognizing that meaningful consultation is important in developing legislation that addresses the concerns of all parties.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is also expected to advance discussions on the Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill 2026 next week. This legislative initiative is intended to address social concerns affecting older persons and strengthen measures for their care, protection and well-being.
Both initiatives form part of the Government’s efforts to address prevailing social issues through legislative reform and provide a more responsive legal framework for the protection of members of the public.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government to Host Public Consultation on Landlord and Tenant Relations Bill 2026.