Republic Act 9653 or the Rent Control Act of 2009 was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday. The law aims to postpone the rent increases for one year. The government thinks that this law will help alleviate the financial difficulties of Filipinos who rent their residences.

Property owners will be able to increase rental fees only after a year but up to 7% of the original rental fee.

The law will be beneficial for Filipinos who have rental fees below Php 10,000. It covers all residential units i.e. bedspaces, apartments, townhouses, etc in Metro Manila only.

Individuals who will be violating the law would have to pay Php 25,000 – 50,000 fine or imprisonment for a day until 6 months.