Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has announced that the government is working to amend the law to prevent state-issued flats, including those in Hiyaa Flats, from being rented out to third parties.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the Minister said newly issued flats in Hulhumalé were allocated under a rent-to-own model, making it easier to take action against those who sublet their units. The agreements clearly prohibit renting the flats to third parties, and the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation has been instructed to act against violations.

Under the current procedure, owners found renting out their flats are first fined and given a deadline to resolve the issue. If they fail to comply, the unit can be seized.

However, the Minister noted that enforcing similar measures at Hiyaa Flats and other earlier housing projects is more challenging, as those units were sold under a sales-and-purchase model. While the agreements prohibit unlawful activities, the government now plans to amend the law to explicitly ban subletting.

Minister Dr Muththalib stressed that renting out state-issued social housing undermines the purpose and policies of such programmes. He also revealed that notices have been issued to vacate flats being used as labour quarters at Hiyaa Flats.