Tenancy or lease renewal in Malta
Renewing a tenancy or lease agreement in Malta typically involves negotiating new terms with the landlord and formalizing these terms through a new contract or an addendum to the existing one. For registered contracts, re-registration with the Housing Authority may be required.
It is advisable for tenants and landlords to begin discussions about renewal several months before the current lease expires. This allows sufficient time for negotiation of new terms, agreement on any rent adjustments, and preparation of new documentation, especially considering potential lead times for Housing Authority registration if applicable.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time allows for ample negotiation, drafting of new agreements, and registration with the Housing Authority, which typically requires submission within 10 days of the new agreement's commencement.
The process
- 1Initiate discussions with the landlord or tenant regarding the intention to renew the lease and negotiate new terms, including rent, duration, and any other conditions.
- 2Draft a new lease agreement or an addendum to the existing one, reflecting the agreed-upon terms.
- 3Review the new agreement thoroughly to ensure all terms are clearly stated and understood by both parties.
- 4Sign the new lease agreement or addendum.
- 5If the previous lease was registered, proceed with the registration of the new lease agreement or the amendment with the Housing Authority within 10 days of its commencement.
- 6Keep a signed copy of the renewed agreement for records.
What to bring
- Original lease agreement (for reference and amendment)
- New lease agreement or addendum incorporating updated terms
- Identification documents of both landlord and tenant (e.g., ID cards or passports) for the new agreement
Who handles it
Housing Authority (Awtorità tad-Djar)
https://housingauthority.gov.mt/
The cost of renewing a lease generally depends on whether it's a new registration or an amendment. For new registrations, a fee is typically charged based on the lease duration, for example, a fixed fee for short-term leases or a variable fee for long-term leases, with additional charges for late registration. These fees should be confirmed with the Housing Authority.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all new terms, especially rent increases and duration, are clearly stipulated and agreed upon in writing.
- Be aware of the legal requirements for registration with the Housing Authority, as unregistered leases may have specific implications.
- Clarify who is responsible for the re-registration fees and submission to the Housing Authority.
- Verify if any new legislative changes to the Private Residential Leases Act have come into effect since the original agreement was signed, as these might affect renewal terms.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Malta
Tenancy or lease renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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