The Association of Tenants of Montenegro - Moj dom announced today that the Law on the Protection of Tenants is necessary, and that the current practice of institutions is alarming and anti-civil.
The Association of Tenants of Montenegro said that they are warning that the problem of the unprotected status of tenants in Montenegro can no longer be postponed.
"Tens of thousands of citizens live in rented apartments without written contracts, exposed to landlords' arbitrariness, threats and illegal evictions. Of particular concern is the practice of some police officers who, instead of protecting the law and the safety of citizens, with their presence and actions enable or even forcibly participate in the eviction of tenants without a court decision. Such practice is illegal, unacceptable and threatens citizens' trust in the institutions of the system," states the statement signed by the president of the association, Dragan Živković.
They emphasized that a Law on the Protection of Tenants is urgently needed, which will systematically regulate the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords and provide effective protection of tenants from arbitrariness and abuse.
"However, the adoption of the law must not be an excuse for inaction. Until the law is adopted, the competent authorities, including the police, have an urgent obligation to: prevent illegal evictions; act in accordance with existing regulations; provide urgent protection for tenants," the statement reads.
They added that in the coming period they will intensify activities to document cases of illegal evictions and tax evasion, and report them to the competent institutions.
"The goal is to establish order, protect tenants and sanction those who violate the law – whether they are landlords or individual employees. We emphasize that this is not a fight against the police or landlords or institutions that respect the law, but a fight against lawlessness, arbitrariness and double standards. The Law on the Protection of Tenants must be passed. The protection of tenants must begin immediately. The institutions of the system must protect the law and citizens, not arbitrariness," the statement reads.
The Association concluded that they will not give up until tenants cease to be second-class citizens and until the right to a home receives real, not just formal, protection.
Bonus video:
