Gov’t Warns of Termination for Renting Out Social Housing Flats
Photo: The president’s Office
The government has announced that agreements with recipients of its 4,000 social housing units will be terminated and the apartments repossessed if the units are rented out in violation of the terms.
The announcement follows reports that some recipients of the newly developed social housing flats have listed their units for rent. Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) Managing Director Hamdhaan Shakeel made the statement on social media, warning that such actions breach the agreements signed with recipients.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Press release regarding the renting of social housing units developed by FDC in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
📄:https://t.co/HeZ9qsLFUd pic.twitter.com/qlSBJwkPFn— Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited (@Fdc_mv) October 11, 2025
The 4,000 housing units developed by FDC are currently in the process of being handed over after the completion of finishing works. To date, 78 recipients have received their flats. However, several of these units have reportedly been advertised on social media for rent at prices significantly higher than the government’s subsidised rates. Three-bedroom apartments have been listed for as much as USD 1,620 per month, compared to the official subsidised rent of USD 745.
Under the terms of the agreement, flat recipients are prohibited from renting out the units. FDC stated that renting subsidised housing for profit undermines the purpose of the initiative, which is to provide affordable homes for those in need. The corporation reiterated that it will take firm action against any violations, including cancelling agreements and reclaiming the apartments.
Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib also confirmed that the government is taking similar measures to cancel agreements and repossess units found to be rented out illegally.
ސަރުކާރުގެ އިޖްތިމާޢީ ބޯހިޔާވަހިކަމުގެ ތެރެއިން ދޫކޮށްފައިވާ ތަންތަނަކީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ ފައިސާއިން ބޮޑު ހޭދައެއްކޮށް، ސަބްސިޑައިޒްކުރެވިފައިވާ އަގުތަކެއްގައި ދޫކޮށްފައިވާ ތަންތަން ކަމުގައިވާތީ، އެތަންތަން ބޮޑެތި އަގުތަކުގައި ކުއްޔަށްދީ، އެތަންތަން ދެވުނު ފަރާތް ފިޔަވާ އެހެން… pic.twitter.com/y5RsKvY63B— Abdulla Muththalib (@muththo) October 11, 2025
In a statement shared on social media, the Minister said the properties were developed using public funds and are being leased at subsidised rates. He noted that the government will not tolerate the commercial rental of social housing flats or their use for purposes other than residential occupancy by the allocated recipients.
The Minister added that inspections of the social housing properties will begin soon in collaboration with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the agreements.
