Acoprovi welcomes the approval of the Rental Law, following the suggested amendments

Santo Domingo.- Having accepted its observations regarding fundamental aspects of the draft Law on Real Estate Rentals and Evictions, the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers ( Acoprovi ) expressed its support for the approval of the legislative instrument.

It indicates that the observations submitted to the Lower House on the 3rd of this month were favorably received, in line with the interest in contributing to a robust real estate sector that positively impacts citizens and service providers.

“We appreciate that the legislative review process has considered our recommendations regarding the balance between contractual rights, procedural safeguards, and the dynamism of the real estate market ,” the entity states in a document.

He points out that the recommendations adopted were:

1. The clause that made pre-trial conciliation mandatory was eliminated, which reduces unnecessary procedural burdens and avoids the imposition of stages that can delay the resolution of conflicts between landlords and tenants.

2. It was specified that the maximum increase in the rental fee, corresponding to ten percent (10%), only applies in the absence of an express stipulation between the parties, guaranteeing respect for the autonomy of the contractual will.

3. The provision granting the tenant a compulsory purchase option on the leased property was deleted, thus preserving the landlord’s freedom to dispose of his property according to his legitimate interest.

4. The sanctions applicable in the enforcement process were referred to the framework provided for in the Law on Public Force, which establishes a uniform criterion for compliance with judicial decisions and eviction proceedings.

5. A maximum period of fifteen (15) business days was established to file the Appeal against sentences issued in housing matters, which provides greater legal certainty to the procedure and facilitates its proper processing.