Tenant and Landlord Disputes: Legal Rights Bangladesh

Tenancy in urban Bangladesh is primarily governed by the House Rent Control Act 1991 (HRCA) and the Non-Agricultural Tenancy Act 1949. The HRCA applies to rental properties in designated urban areas and regulates rent increases, eviction grounds, and dispute mechanisms. The Rent Controller — a government officer — has special powers to adjudicate rent and eviction disputes without going to civil court.

Under Bangladesh tenancy law, as a tenant you have the right to:

• Written tenancy agreement or receipt acknowledging rent payment
• Quiet enjoyment of the property without interference by the landlord
• Return of security deposit (advance) within a reasonable time after vacating
• Proper notice before eviction — typically 1–3 months depending on agreement and HRCA
• Protection from illegal lock-outs or forcible eviction without court order
• Complain to the Rent Controller if the landlord raises rent beyond legal limits

A landlord's rights include:

• Receive rent on time as agreed in the tenancy deed
• Recover possession after the tenancy period ends with proper notice
• File an eviction case in Rent Controller Court or civil court for non-payment, misuse of property, or breach of agreement
• Deduct from security deposit for verified damage beyond normal wear
• Not renew a tenancy — provided proper notice is given per the agreement or law

You cannot forcibly evict a tenant in Bangladesh — illegal eviction (disconnecting utilities, changing locks) exposes the landlord to criminal complaints. Legal eviction steps:

1. Give proper written notice to vacate (typically 1 month for monthly tenancy).
2. If tenant refuses, file an eviction petition before the Rent Controller (urban areas) or a civil court.
3. Attend hearings — court will examine the grounds of eviction.
4. On a Court order, the tenant must vacate. Court bailiff enforces if needed.

A civil lawyer in Dhaka can assist with the entire eviction process.

If a landlord refuses to return the security deposit (advance rent):

• Send a legal notice through a lawyer demanding return within 30 days.
• File a money recovery suit in a civil court for the deposit plus interest.
• Alternatively, file a complaint before the Rent Controller who has jurisdiction over advance rent disputes.

Contact Advocate Md. Shah Alam for help with any tenant or landlord dispute in Dhaka or Uttara.

No. Under the House Rent Control Act 1991, rent increases in urban areas must comply with prescribed limits. Any dispute over illegal rent increase can be filed before the Rent Controller.

This is an illegal eviction. File a police complaint for criminal trespass and simultaneously apply to the Rent Controller or civil court for an order restoring your possession.

A verbal agreement is legally recognised but very difficult to enforce due to lack of written evidence. Always insist on a written Baidhok Patra (tenancy agreement) to protect your rights.

Rent Controller proceedings can take 6 months to 2 years. Civil court eviction suits may take longer. An experienced lawyer can accelerate the process through correct procedure and persistent follow-up.