Landlords face prosecution if they increase their rent without consulting the Prices and Incomes Board.

PIB chief executive Lusi Naimawi said that though the freeze on commercial rent has been lifted earlier this year, residential lots still remain under PIB control.

Naimawi said they are calling on the public to come forward and lodge their complaints with the board as they are the ones that defend the rights of tenants.

Any complaint lodged with the board is then investigated and transferred to the courts.

According to Naimawi, they have heard of landlords changing rent but nothing has been put to them in writing.

PIB said that once a maximum has been placed on a piece of land, there is no change unless PIB approves.

So far 2 landlords were convicted and fined by the Magistrates Court around the country for breaching rent control regulations during the month of June and July this year.

They were imposed fines between $30 up to $2000 and also ordered to pay court costs.