Residents were urged by the Consumer Affairs Board to review legislation related to the relationships between landlords and tenants.

The CAB encouraged the public to provide feedback on the Landlord and Tenant Act 2025 draft, which has a consultation deadline of October 31.

It said: “The new legislation is intended to update current residential tenancy laws and introduce measures addressing housing concerns.

“The draft Bill introduces several significant changes that will affect tenancy agreements.

“These include a cap on the maximum security deposit a landlord can request, setting it at three months’ rent.

“The Bill also formally establishes a five-business-day grace period for rent payments.

“Following this period, landlords may be permitted to apply a daily late fee, capped at 5 per cent of the monthly rent for rentals under $60,000 per year.

“Additionally, the legislation calls for the creation of a new Landlord and Tenant Tribunal to handle disputes and complaints, including new provisions that allow tenants to apply to the tribunal to recover costs for necessary repairs.”

The board added: “It is essential that both landlords and tenants understand the details of the proposed legislation and submit their feedback.”

Responses to the draft Bill can be provided at forum.gov.bm, where a copy of the proposed legislation can also be found.

Comments, questions, and suggestions about the draft Bill should be directed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CAB said.

It added: “The Consumer Affairs Board urges all affected parties to review the document and ensure their voice is heard before the deadline.”

An online information session about the draft Bill is scheduled to take place from 6.30pm today.

Areas covered by the legislation include standardised leases, clearer rights and faster dispute resolution.

The Bill aims to repeal the Landlord and Tenant Act 1974 and Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Act 1978.

Anyone interested in the information session can join through the live link on YouTube.

The Government said this morning: “This public forum is part of the ministry’s Affordable Bermuda Agenda, aimed at making Bermuda more equitable and sustainable for all.”

It added that the draft Bill aimed to “repeal and replace outdated landlord and tenant laws with a singular modern framework”.

The forum this evening is to feature an overview presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.

It will also be shown on the Government’s Facebook page and on CITV.

Questions can be sent to MHAHQ@gov.bm.