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Last updated: August 2025
Rent dispute with your landlord? Illegal rent increase? Property maintenance issues? Before you think about going to court, there’s a free government service designed specifically to help resolve these problems: Jamaica’s Rent Assessment Board.
Most Jamaicans don’t know this service exists or what they actually do. Here’s everything you need to know about how the Rent Board can help both tenants and landlords resolve rental disputes.
What Is Jamaica’s Rent Assessment Board?
The Rent Assessment Board was established on October 10th, 1944, to provide a framework for the business of renting properties and to resolve the constant disputes that arose between landlords and tenants.
Think of them as free mediators with legal power. They’re not just advisors – the Tribunal has the same power as the RM Courts when it comes to rental disputes.
Current location: The Towers, 25 Dominica Drive, Kingston 5 (3rd floor)
What Problems Can the Rent Board Help With?
The Rent Board handles a wide range of rental disputes, including:
Rent-Related Issues:
- Illegal rent increases above the 7.5% annual limit – learn when landlords can raise rent in Jamaica.
- Arrears of rent disputes between landlords and tenants
- Refund of rent when overpayments or illegal charges occur
- Rent assessment for determining fair market rates
Property and Tenancy Issues:
- Maintenance and repair disputes
- Harassment complaints against landlords
- Illegal eviction attempts – read about the eviction process in Jamaica
- Security deposit disputes
- Lease agreement conflicts
What Makes Them Different from Court:
- Free service – no legal fees
- Faster resolution than court proceedings
- Both sides get heard before any decisions
- Experienced in rental law specifically
How the Rent Board Actually Works
The Consultation Process:
When the Board receives a complaint, whether from a landlord or a tenant, no action is taken until both parties have been consulted.
Here’s the typical process:
- You file a complaint (in person or by phone)
- Both parties are contacted by the Board
- Consultation meeting is scheduled
- Evidence is reviewed from both sides
- Decision is made with legal authority
- Resolution is enforced if necessary
Why This Matters:
Unlike court, where one side “wins” and the other “loses,” the Rent Board focuses on finding fair solutions that work for both landlords and tenants.
The 7.5% Rent Increase Rule
One of the most important services the Rent Board provides is regulating rent increases:
The law: Landlords are allowed to increase rent by 7½ per cent annually with the permission of the Rent Board.
For increases above 7.5%: If a landlord wants an increase that is more than 7½ per cent, he/she has to go to the Board.
What the Board Considers:
The Rent Board is very flexible and will consider the increased cost in the rate of property taxes, improvements to property, among other things.
Important: If there is an unreasonable or illegal increase in rent, the tenant is entitled to a refund.
How to Contact the Rent Board
Office Information:
Address: The Rent Assessment Board, The Towers, 25 Dominica Drive, Kingston, Jamaica Phone: 876-352-3558 / 876-352-3514 Email: rentboard@megjc.gov.jm Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
When to Call:
- Before going to court with any rental dispute
- Immediately if you receive an illegal rent increase notice
- As soon as possible when harassment or illegal eviction occurs
- Within reasonable time of any rental law violation
Common Situations Where the Rent Board Can Help
For Tenants:
Scenario 1: Illegal Rent Increase Your landlord raises your rent from JMD $50,000 to JMD $60,000 (20% increase) without Rent Board approval. Solution: File a complaint. You may be entitled to a refund of the excess amount.
Scenario 2: Landlord Harassment Your landlord keeps entering your apartment without permission or threatens to cut utilities. Solution: The Rent Board can issue orders to stop harassment and protect your tenancy rights.
Scenario 3: Maintenance Refusal
Your landlord refuses to fix serious plumbing issues affecting habitability. Solution: The Board can order necessary repairs and determine who pays the costs.
For Landlords:
Scenario 1: Chronic Late Rent Your tenant consistently pays rent late despite multiple warnings. Solution: The Board can establish payment schedules and consequences.
Scenario 2: Property Damage Your tenant has caused damage beyond normal wear and tear. Solution: The Board can assess damages and determine tenant responsibility.
Scenario 3: Illegal Subletting You discover your tenant is subletting without permission. Solution: The Board can address lease violations and determine appropriate action.
What to Bring When You File a Complaint
Essential Documents:
- Lease agreement or rental arrangement proof
- Rent receipts showing payment history
- Photos or evidence of property conditions or damage
- Written communications between you and the other party
- Any notices given or received
- Identification for yourself
Be Prepared to Explain:
- Timeline of events leading to the dispute
- Specific issues you want resolved
- Previous attempts to resolve the matter
- What outcome you’re seeking
Why You Should Use the Rent Board Instead of Court
Advantages of the Rent Board:
Cost: Free service vs. court fees and legal costs Speed: Faster resolution than court proceedings Expertise: Specialized knowledge of rental law Relationships: Focus on maintaining landlord-tenant relationships Accessibility: Easier process than formal court procedures
When Court Might Be Better:
- Complex legal disputes beyond rental law
- Criminal matters like theft or assault
- Large financial claims exceeding Rent Board authority
- When Rent Board mediation fails
Tips for Working with the Rent Board
For Best Results:
Be honest and complete in your complaint filing Bring all relevant documents to support your case Stay professional during consultations Follow through on any agreements or orders Keep records of all Rent Board interactions
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Going to court first instead of trying the Rent Board
- Not documenting your rental issues properly
- Waiting too long to file complaints
- Ignoring Rent Board decisions or orders
- Not understanding your rights and responsibilities
Building Better Landlord-Tenant Relationships
The Rent Board’s ultimate goal is creating better rental relationships in Jamaica. Here’s how they help:
Guidelines They Promote:
The property should be kept in a habitable state Rent must be paid by the due date
The landlord must be notified before the tenant vacates the property Subletting should not be done without the permission of the landlord
The Bigger Picture:
When both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities, fewer disputes occur. The Rent Board serves as both mediator and educator in Jamaica’s rental market.
Important Things to Know
The Board’s Authority:
- Legal power equal to Resident Magistrate Courts for rental matters
- Binding decisions that both parties must follow
- Enforcement ability through legal mechanisms
- Appeal processes for disputed decisions
What They Don’t Handle:
- Criminal matters (theft, assault, etc.)
- Issues outside rental law (neighbor disputes, etc.)
- Commercial disputes beyond their mandate
- Cases already in court under certain circumstances
The Bottom Line
Don’t suffer in silence with rental disputes. Jamaica’s Rent Assessment Board exists specifically to help resolve these problems fairly and legally.
Key takeaways:
- The service is completely free for both landlords and tenants
- They have the same legal power as courts for rental matters
- Both parties get heard before any decisions are made
- Most rental disputes can be resolved without going to court
- They focus on fair solutions rather than “winners” and “losers”
Remember: Landlords and tenants should not go straight to court with problems. Try the Rent Board first – it could save you time, money, and stress.
Whether you’re dealing with illegal rent increases, maintenance issues, harassment, or any other rental dispute, the Rent Assessment Board is there to help. Don’t wait until problems escalate – reach out early for the best chance of a fair resolution.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Jamaica’s Rent Assessment Board services. For specific legal situations, contact the Rent Board directly or consult with a qualified attorney.
