Landlords of Dilapidated Properties Face Allegations of Exploiting Non-Nationals

Published
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his administration are taking a firm stance against landlords who neglect their properties

In a growing effort to address housing issues and protect non-national renters, Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his administration are taking a firm stance against homeowners who neglect their properties, particularly those who live abroad.

The Prime Minister recently highlighted concerns that many derelict homes in the country are being rented out to non-nationals, leaving tenants with inadequate living conditions while owners collect rent from overseas.

Speaking over the weekend, Browne emphasized the need for legislative reform to facilitate the removal of these uninhabitable structures. The government’s focus on revitalizing the city and its surroundings aims to uplift the community and ensure that housing standards are upheld.

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The Prime Minister noted that tenants often find themselves in situations where they are forced to vacate these rundown properties. Once vacated, many of these houses are left abandoned, contributing to urban blight and diminishing the overall quality of life in the area.

As the government prepares to address this issue head-on, Browne’s administration is committed to ensuring that all members of the community have access to safe and decent housing, regardless of their nationality.

Further developments on proposed legislation are anticipated as the government seeks to enhance living conditions for everyone.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/07/20/landlords-of-dilapidated-properties-face-allegations-of-exploiting-non-nationals. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (14)

  • Tamisha July 20, 2025, 12:54 PM

    Are we gonna also address how much rent goes uncollected because of poor legislature to protect landlords? How else do they afford maintenance?
    Reply
    • Citizen July 20, 2025, 1:41 PM

      Thank you. Many tenants believe they don’t have to pay rent despite signing a contract and the court system is unbearable.
      Reply
    • Fed_Up July 20, 2025, 5:54 PM

      And those who run up utillities, empty the house, fly out and then call from overseas.
      Reply
    • Bernard July 21, 2025, 6:43 AM

      Wanted to be heard I guess. You will find one out of 3 rent going unpaid or uncollected. But these landlords are renting run down, infested homes to people and still expect to collect the least right now $1200 a month time.
      Reply
  • Gnp July 20, 2025, 12:57 PM

    This took long enough. Good on Mr Prime Minister
    Reply
  • Anonymous July 20, 2025, 1:02 PM

    ANTIGUA IS A SMELLY DUMP.
    Reply
    • Anonymous July 20, 2025, 2:08 PM

      The silent one, if it is so smelly why you don’t just go back where you come from and leave us alone is the best life your living in the same place you call smelly
      Reply
    • Ivor Edwards July 20, 2025, 2:58 PM

      👍🏽👍🏽
      Reply
  • Mr.truth July 20, 2025, 5:28 PM

    I love it here but the landlords over do, I pay rent on time everytime an where I live is infested with roaches toilet leaks, shower dont work and a whole lot more. This needs to be addressed seriously.
    Reply
  • Juju Bee July 20, 2025, 9:55 PM

    Yesssss I know one in Hatton. Wicked man
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf July 21, 2025, 6:45 AM

    Tenants, however Gaston need to also take care of the people home. They rent it to you and you’re mashing up things and expect them to fix them. I understand things do break in a house that’s not the tenants fault. But tenants also bring down the house. I can testify to this!
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life July 21, 2025, 9:23 AM

    What about the ones who tear up your property but refuse to leave and have the audacity not to pay their rent? What recourse do landlords have against these tyrannical tenants besides extending more funds on top of what’s owed paying lawyers and the court , time wasted and money lost since the property cannot be rented out to another person and requires extensive renovation , and compromised mental health? I agree that properties should be maintained especially when tenants are faithfully paing their rent. However, it’s an added burden on the landlord when the tenant refuses to do their part.
    Reply
  • Waw July 21, 2025, 4:31 PM

    Some of these houses cannot even stand straight. I wonder how people with weight can even get inside there and survive the night. And rent 1000 and up for shanty town buildings ready to collapse.
    Reply
  • Informed citizen July 21, 2025, 6:50 PM

    Exploiting non-nationals with dilapidated properties in Antigua? Unacceptable! PM Browne is on it. Time for action and proper housing standards for everyone.
    Reply

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