Statutory Rents will rise with effect from that date, by 100%, the Government further revealed.

Private sector tenants were reminded that they will be eligible to apply for rent assistance from the Government under its rent relief scheme.

The Housing Ministry will make a separate detailed announcement about this during the next few weeks, the Gibraltar authorities stated.

However, the commencement will not yet apply to buildings constructed between January 1st, 1945 and March 1st, 1959. This is due to the fact that the Government is awaiting the outcome of a court ruling in a case between a private landlord and a private tenant.

Housing Minister Fabian Vinet said of the Act that:

“This legislation modernises all aspects of housing legislation in Gibraltar and results in all Gibraltar’s Housing legislation being consolidated in one Housing Act."

"However, it also introduces many new aspects, including the setting up of a new Housing tribunal and, importantly, enables the Government to introduce Anti-Social Behaviour Regulations in all housing areas.”