Addis Ababa Warns Landlords Evicting Tenants to Raise Rent is Illegal

 The Addis Ababa Housing Development and Administration Bureau has taken a firm stand against unfair rental practices, officially banning landlords from evicting tenants for the sole purpose of re-renting properties at higher prices.

 
In a move to stabilize the city’s housing market, the Bureau has made it clear that using the end of a lease as an excuse to force out tenants only to charge new people more is now a punishable offense.

 
"Landlords may think they can simply evict a tenant to bring in a new one at a higher rate, but under our new system, this is strictly prohibited," said W/r Kidist Woldegiorgis, head of the Bureau. She added that any landlord engaging in such practices will face immediate legal consequences following formal reports from tenants.

 
The core of this enforcement is the city’s new digital rental registry, which has now captured data on nearly 500,000 properties. By mapping every unit by sub-city, district, and block, the Bureau has effectively stopped landlords from hiding price manipulation.

 
Under the new rules, rent prices are no longer a matter of private, random negotiation. All changes must follow the government’s annual market assessment, released every June 30. If a landlord attempts to increase the rent above these set amounts, the contract is considered illegal and not valid.

 
The Bureau is also addressing the power imbalance in the rental market by digitizing contract renewals. This is designed to prevent landlords from using the threat of "non-renewal" to pressure tenants. Officials reminded everyone that while a contract is active, any mid-term rent increase is strictly forbidden, and tenants are under no legal obligation to agree to such demands.

 
For those facing pressure from landlords, the Bureau has established a simple system for complaints. Tenants can file formal reports at local Woreda and sub-city offices, where committees are authorized to take swift action against non-compliant property owners.

 
Ultimately, the city aims to guarantee at least two years of stability for renters, ensuring that the dream of a secure home is not undermined by the unfair actions of a few.