Rental accommodation plays a crucial role in Fiji’s economy, particularly in the urban housing sector. Many factors contribute to growing demands for rental properties, like rural-urban migration in search of better educational and job opportunities, and improved standard of living.
Fiji also attracts a considerable number of students and workers from Pacific Island countries who enroll in higher education institutions. This steady influx of students and young professionals has led to an increased need for affordable and quality rental housing.
In cities like Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka, rapid urbanization and increasing student and worker numbers searching for housing have created highly competitive rental markets. While this benefits property owners and investors, it poses significant financial challenges for tenants, particularly students and those from lower-income households.
Many students struggle to find affordable accommodation, leading to concerns of overcrowding, poor living conditions, and financial stress. In this article, we will explore some major challenges students face in securing rental accommodation and offer practical advice to help navigate rental markets effectively.
Rent freeze
The Rent Freeze Policy in Fiji was introduced as a measure to protect tenants from sudden rental increases by landlords, and ensure housing remains affordable, particularly for low-income earners.
To promote transparency and accountability, landlords are required to retain copies of tenancy agreements and rental receipts for up to seven years.
Failing to provide these records when requested may result in legal consequences.
Tenants are encouraged to document any rental issues they encounter, such as disputes over rent increases, eviction threats, or unfulfilled maintenance requests. Keeping records of messages, letters, or notices can serve as evidence in case of disagreements with landlords.
Tenants who experience any such issues should seek guidance so their rights are upheld.
Unfair rental offers
For many students, finding suitable rental accommodation can be daunting, particularly when landlords take advantage of their limited options.
Landlords may exert undue pressure on students, creating an unfair power dynamic in negotiations.
This often happens when students are presented with rental agreements with rigid terms.
A common scenario involves rental properties located close to universities where demand is high.
Some landlords may set non-negotiable prices, knowing students – especially those new to the area, have limited time to secure housing before the academic term begins. As a result, many students feel compelled to accept uncomfortable rental agreements.
This can lead to financial strain where students end up paying inflated rents. In some cases, they may also face exploitative rental conditions, such as overcrowding, inadequate living standards, or restrictive lease terms. The urgency to secure a place often leave students vulnerable.
Students should be encouraged to thoroughly review rental agreements, seek advice before signing leases, and advocate for reasonable terms.
Racism
Racial discrimination continues to be a significant concern in the rental market where individuals may be treated unfairly based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality.
In Fiji, some tenants face bias and exclusion from landlords or property managers, making it more difficult to secure accommodation. This form of discrimination affects tenants financially and contributes to social inequality.
A recent incident in Suva highlighted this issue when a tenant paid $1400 to a real estate agent to secure a rental property.
However, upon discovering the tenant’s racial background, the landlord refused to proceed with the rental agreement, effectively denying them housing based on prejudice.
Cases like this reveal the underlying racial bias that still exists within parts of the rental market.
Discrimination can take many forms, including higher rental charges for certain groups, outright refusal to rent, or unequal treatment in the application process. International students and migrants are particularly at risk because they may lack the legal knowledge or support systems needed to challenge these unfair practices.
This forces many to accept poor living conditions or pay excessively high rents.
It is important to recognise racial discrimination in housing is illegal. The Constitution of Fiji guarantees equity and fairness for all, and discriminatory practices in rental agreements violate these fundamental principles.
It is also unjust as housing is a basic human need that should be available to everyone.
To combat this issue, tenants should be aware of their rights and report discriminatory practices. Raising awareness and holding landlords accountable for fair and ethical rental practices is essential to ensure Fiji’s housing market remains inclusive and equitable for all.
Rental scams
These scams typically involve fake property listings advertised at attractive rates to lure potential tenants.
Scammers often pressure individuals into making upfront payments such as deposits or rent before they’ve had the chance to inspect the property or verify the legitimacy of the landlord or agent.
Once payment is made, the scammer disappears leaving the victim without both money and a place to stay.
One of the most common tactics used is online deception where fraudsters post misleading advertisements on social media or property rental websites, showcasing non-existent or unavailable properties. Some scammers even claim to be “overseas landlords” and use fake identities to avoid direct interaction.
Others pose as legitimate real estate agents and provide forged lease agreements to make the deal appear genuine.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, tenants should:
- always inspect the property in person before making any payments. If a tenant is refused viewing, it’s a potential red flag;
- verify the legitimacy of the landlord or agent;
- insist on a formal signed lease agreement before transferring any money. A legitimate transaction should include a written contract outlining the terms and conditions;
- be cautious of deals that seem ‘too good to be true’; and
- keep records of all communication and transactions.
Tenants should report a suspicious rental offer immediately to relevant authorities.
Licensed agents
Tenants should always deal with licensed real estate agents when searching for rental accommodation, particularly in competitive markets.
A key benefit of working with a licensed real estate agent is the assurance of credibility and professionalism.
These agents are legally bound to follow ethical business practices, including providing accurate property listings, fair rental pricing, and proper lease agreements.
Unlike private landlords or informal middlemen, licensed agents are accountable for their actions and can be held responsible for any misleading or fraudulent practices.
Licensed real estate agents operate under the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB), which ensures that they comply with industry regulations and uphold professional standards.
This means that if tenants face unethical behaviour, misleading information, or disputes, they can report the issue to the licensing board, which has the authority to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against agents who violate the law.
Working with a licensed real estate agent helps tenants avoid rental scams because they are required to verify property ownership before listing rentals, reducing risks of fraudulent advertisements.
Additionally, legitimate agents ensure tenants receive proper lease agreements that clearly outline their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Licensed agents also follow market standards, making them less likely to engage in overpricing, hidden fees, or exploitative practices.
They provide better dispute resolution in case of conflicts with the rental property.
Tenants should check with REALB to verify they are dealing with a licensed agent.
It is also advisable to request official credentials, confirm the agent is affiliated with a legitimate real estate company, and avoid upfront cash payments without proper documentation.
Additionally, researching online reviews or seeking recommendations from other tenants can help gauge the reliability of an agent.
A fair rental market requires ethical landlord practices, tenant awareness, and stricter enforcement of regulations. By taking proactive steps, students can better navigate the rental market and secure safe, affordable housing.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated FEBRUARY 1, 2025.
