Apr 23, Kathmandu - The Birgunj Metropolitan City Office has issued a warning regarding unauthorized activities surrounding the ongoing road expansion on Main Road. Following the demolition of houses along the road to facilitate the expansion, concerns have been raised about house owners exploiting the situation to unjustly hike rents and pressure tenants into paying illegal deposits.

On Thursday, the municipality issued a notice highlighting reports that some house owners are attempting to increase rents by taking advantage of the demolition period, demanding unauthorized security deposits, and trying to terminate agreements prematurely in pursuit of higher profits.

The office has urged all parties to refrain from such activities. It has also warned that any house owner found engaging in these practices will face fines and further legal action as per prevailing laws.

Additionally, the municipality has directed landlords and tenants to agree on fair rent rates without coercion and to have these agreements certified by the relevant ward offices. One copy of the signed rental agreement must be submitted to the Revenue Management Department of Birgunj Metropolitan City.