Tenant Rights
In Bangladesh, a tenant who pays rent on time is legally protected from arbitrary eviction. Your landlord must follow due process — proper notice and a court order — before evicting you, must give a receipt for every payment, and cannot demand an unreasonable advance. These protections come from the House Rent Control Act 1991. AdalotBD gives general information — it does not decide your case.
Can my landlord evict me without notice?
No. A tenant who pays rent regularly cannot be evicted without proper written notice and a court order. A landlord cannot lawfully lock you out, remove your belongings, or cut off utilities to force you to leave. Eviction is allowed only on specific legal grounds — such as persistent non-payment or the owner’s genuine need — and must be decided by the court, not the landlord alone.
Source: House Rent Control Act 1991Is my landlord required to give a rent receipt?
Yes. Your landlord must issue a written receipt for every rent payment. Always collect and keep these receipts — they are your strongest proof of payment and protect you in any dispute over arrears or eviction. If a landlord repeatedly refuses to give a receipt, you can raise the matter with the local Rent Controller, who oversees rent disputes under the Act.
Source: House Rent Control Act 1991How much advance can a landlord legally demand?
A landlord cannot demand an unreasonable advance or premium as a condition of renting. The Act limits advance rent and treats demands for large lump-sum “salami” as improper. Any advance or security deposit must be adjusted against rent or refunded at the end of the tenancy, minus reasonable deductions for genuine damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Source: House Rent Control Act 1991Do I have rights without a written lease?
Yes — an oral tenancy can still attract protections in many situations, but a written lease and receipts make proof much stronger. Keep payment records, messages, and witness notes. Confirm next steps with an advocate or 16699 if there is a dispute.
Source: House Rent Control Act 1991 — general practiceWhat if I am locked out or utilities are cut off?
That is usually not a lawful eviction. Preserve evidence (photos, messages), report to police when safe, and call 999 if you are in danger. Take your written notice and lease copies to an advocate/legal aid. See the tenancy-eviction guided flow.
Source: House Rent Control Act 1991; emergency 999Must I accept a sudden rent increase?
A one-sided unreasonable increase is not always lawful. Contract terms, notice, and local rent-control practice matter. Object in writing, keep receipts, and consult the Rent Controller or an advocate. AdalotBD does not set the lawful rent amount.
Source: House Rent Control Act 1991Authority: House Rent Control Act 1991. Reviewer: Pending lawyer panel review. Next review: 2026-10-01.