FDC Warns of Flat Confiscation and Fines Up to MVR 50,000 for Sub-Leasing Social Housing Units

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) has warned that flats will be confiscated and fined up to MVR 50,000 if flats under FDC are sub-leased.

The flats were issued by the government under a social housing scheme. The project includes 4,000 housing units comprising two- and three-bedroom flats. Subleasing these flats violates the agreement signed with the recipients.

The warning follows a social media post circulating on Meta in which a woman advertised a three-bedroom Fahi Dhiriulhun flat for rent at MVR 23,000 per month. The government charges MVR 11,500 per month for the same type of unit, meaning the advertised rent is double the subsidised rate.

Managing Director of Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation, Hamdan Shakeel, said the post had been brought to the company’s attention. He stated that FDC flats are not intended to be rented to third parties and that doing so breaches the lease agreement.

Shakeel added that the corporation will investigate such cases and take action against violators. Those found sub-leasing the flats may face fines of up to MVR 50,000 and termination of their agreements.

“Sub leasing these highly subsidised social housing flats is just fundamentally wrong, undermines the very purpose of these housing projects, turning them into profit-making rentals violates the rights of every Maldivian. Let us be better than that,” Shakeel said in his post.

The 4,000 housing units developed in Hulhumalé are expected to be handed over after the completion of finishing work. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is currently finalising the list of recipients for the agreements, while FDC is reviewing and signing off on the list submitted by the ministry.