Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Overview

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes changes to improve the administration of residential tenancy matters in the Cayman Islands. The amendments are intended to strengthen the existing Residential Tenancies Act (2009) by improving dispute resolution, increasing transparency in tenancy agreements, clarifying responsibilities for landlords and tenants, and modernising certain administrative processes.

The Bill also proposes changes to improve the governance and administration of residential tenancy matters by establishing a Residential Tenancies Commission. The Bill is currently a draft and has not yet been approved.

Why This Matters

Proposed amendments to modernise the Residential Tenancies Act, 2009 in the following key areas:

1. Governance and Administration: Establishing a Residential Tenancies Commission to replace the existing Residential Tenancies Commissioner, strengthening governance arrangements, accountability, annual reporting requirements and clarifying the Minister's role in residential tenancy policy.
2. Residential Tenancy Agreements and Documentation: Strengthening tenancy documentation requirements by introducing enhanced proof-of-identity, proof-of-ownership and authority-to-lease provisions, while clarifying registration requirements for eligible long-term tenancy agreements.
3. Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities: Improving transparency and communication by requiring landlords to notify tenants when a rented property is listed for sale, allowing internet service charges to be treated as tenant outgoings where agreed, and clarifying several rights and responsibilities within tenancy arrangements.
4. Notices, Compliance and Enforcement: Updating the methods by which tenancy notices may be served, introducing additional service options where conventional delivery is not possible, and strengthening enforcement provisions through updated offences and penalties.
5. Legislative Modernisation and Regulatory Framework: Updating the Residential Tenancies Act to improve administrative efficiency, support clearer processes for landlords and tenants, and ensure the legislation remains fit for purpose while reflecting modern residential tenancy practices.

Tenants, landlords, property managers, legal professionals, businesses, community organisations and members of the wider public are invited to review the proposed amendments and provide feedback before Government determines the appropriate way forward.

Submissions should be completed no later than 20 September 2026. 

How Your Information Will Be Used

All responses received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered before any decisions are made regarding the proposed amendments.

Following the close of the consultation, the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, & Infrastructure will publish a summary of the feedback received and outline the next steps on the Public Consultation Hub and  gov.ky/mplahi