Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ali Zuhair has stated that 50 percent of families living in social housing flats developed in Hulhumalé do not pay their rent regularly.

Speaking on Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu's "Ahaashey Bunanann" program, Zuhair stated that the corporation currently manages over 12,000 flats. However, due to financial difficulties and various reasons, rent is not collected from half of those flats, he said.

Those who do not pay rent include individuals who have not made any payments since receiving their flats, as well as those who periodically skip rent payments. Furthermore, previous statistics disclosed by HDC show that the total unpaid rent from Hulhumalé flats exceeded MVR 700 million by May of last year.

As part of rent collection efforts, the company has stated it has started sending "Payment Advice" notices every three months to remind non-paying individuals to settle their rent.

Zuhair noted that a special inspection has also been conducted to investigate issues of flats being illegally rented out to third parties. Accordingly, all Hiyaa flats have been inspected, and letters are being sent instructing flat owners to remove foreigners illegally residing in those units, he added.