Landlords of residential homes, you cannot increase rent until the end of this year.

The Prices and Income Board has advised all Landlords that rental freeze on all premises under residential tenancy including group rent to which Counter Inflation Act applies has been extended further to December 31st, 2009.

Landlords are advised to strictly adhere to this Order and those found contravening may be liable for prosecution.

However, the freeze on "commercial rent " has been lifted effective from 1st January 2009. All landlords proposing to increase commercial rentals can now submit their application to any PIB offices.

Rental for premises let out for the first time are exempted from control, but any rental increase proposed thereafter will be subject to restrictions.