Bar Assoc. to Focus on Housing Reform in 2022

The Bahamas Bar Association is hoping to agitate for changes in the laws governing home ownership and rentals.

The Bar president outlined his 2022 agenda to Our News.

Heading into a new legal year, Bar Association president, Khalil Parker, says there are several key issues it is looking to tackle this year. Topping that list is housing reform. He says government’s concern should be home security, not homeownership.

Moments after being sworn in as Minister of Housing and Transport back in September, Jobeth Colbey-Davis said the plan is to build homes for Bahamians. She added the focus will be on how to tackle building homes and making Bahamians homeowners.

Parker says the aim is for legislation to be drafted that will also focus on rental properties. He says the legislation will seek to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants.

But that’s not all. Parker says the regulation will also speak to how rent is increased and priced. Over time, many Bahamians have expressed outrage over what many felt were outrageously priced rental units.

Now, Parker is hoping to meet with the housing minister and Attorney General in to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, he says the legislation will allow tenants to express complaints without fear of retribution.