HRH Premier issues edict

Manama, Apr. 25 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has issued Edict 35/2015. Under the edict, a new article, N' (34) bis, will be added to the executive bill of the Municipalities Law promulgated by Decree-Law 35/2001 and Edict 16/2002. Article 34 bis stipulates that landlords shall notify the respective municipality when renting a building as a collective residence within 30 days after the signature of the contract. They should also make sure that health and safety requirements are provided. It also stipulates that eligible rooms for rent should be at least 10 feet high, and that each individual should be allocated 40 square feet, with the maximum number of people within one room not exceeding eight. The competent municipality shall register all collective accommodation and keep a data base. All landlords shall report to the competent municipality and adjust the situation of their leased buildings in accordance with the provisions of this edict within a period not exceeding six months after its issuance. Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning shall implement the edict, which will be effective the day after its promulgation in the Official Gazette.