Residents have been encouraged to provide feedback to the draft 2025 Landlord and Tenant Bill.

The Ministry of Home Affairs launched a public consultation on the legislation and invited responses from residents, landlords, tenants and industry stakeholders.

The consultation will remain active until October 31 and feedback can be provided by making submissions at forum.gov.bm.

The proposed legislation would repeal and replace the Landlord and Tenant Act 1974 and the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Act 1978.

A government spokeswoman said that this marks a key step towards 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.

The spokeswoman said that it aims to enhance fairness, increase transparency and protect the rights of both tenants and landlords.

She added that the legislation expands the enforcement powers of the Rent Commission, enabling stronger oversight and faster resolution of complaints.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, 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.”

The spokeswoman said the consultation is part of a broader government agenda, which includes expanding affordable housing, offering targeted duty relief for construction and delivering sustained cost-of-living relief.

She said it builds on months of targeted engagement by the ministry with stakeholder groups, including realtors, landlords’ associations and tenant organisations.

Ms Lightbourne added: “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.”