The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has been advised that the Ministry of Legal Affairs, under the leadership of the Attorney General, will commence public consultations on two proposed pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening legal protections and addressing important social concerns affecting residents.
The proposed Landlord and Tenant (Residential Tenancies) Bill 2026
and the
Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill 2026 form part of the Government’s continuing legislative reform programme, with the objective of modernising the legal framework and providing greater protection for members of the public.
The first consultation will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Parliament Building. Landlords, tenants, real estate professionals, legal practitioners and other interested members of the public have been encouraged to participate.
The proposed Landlord and Tenant (Residential Tenancies) Bill seeks to establish a clearer and more contemporary framework governing residential rental arrangements. The initiative follows concerns raised by both landlords and tenants regarding rental increases, late-payment charges, unpaid rent, outstanding utility bills and the respective responsibilities of parties to tenancy agreements.
The existing legislative framework, which includes the Small Tenements Act and the Rent Restriction Act, is regarded as outdated and in need of modernisation to reflect present-day conditions in the residential rental market.
The consultation will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views, share their experiences and make recommendations to help shape legislation that provides clarity, fairness and appropriate protection for both landlords and tenants.
The Government is also advancing the proposed Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill 2026, which is intended to strengthen the framework for the care, protection and well-being of older members of society.
The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns affecting older persons, including their vulnerability to neglect, abuse and inadequate care. It is intended to provide a more responsive legal framework to safeguard their welfare and ensure that appropriate protections are available to those who may be unable to adequately care for or protect themselves.
The consultation process will allow relevant stakeholders, including older persons, families, caregivers, social service professionals, healthcare practitioners, residential care providers and advocacy organisations, to contribute their perspectives on the proposed measures.
Cabinet recognises that meaningful public consultation is essential to the development of legislation that is practical, fair and responsive to the needs of the people.
The Government is therefore encouraging broad participation in the consultation process. The views and recommendations received will assist the Ministry of Legal Affairs in examining the proposed provisions and refining the legislative framework before the Bills advance through the legislative process.
These initiatives reflect the Government’s commitment to modernising the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, strengthening the protection of vulnerable members of society and ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of individuals are clearly established and respected.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government to Commence Public Consultations on Proposed Residential Tenancy and Older Persons Protection Legislation.