Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 66)
The lease shall be considered of one year's duration counted from the date of occupation by virtue of said lease at the option of the lessee.
Yes, buildings used both as dwellings and as places of business for home industries intended to support the family are covered by the Act.
The fact that the rents are unjust and unreasonable constitutes a valid defense.
Except as provided in section twelve, a lessee cannot be ejected except for willful and deliberate nonpayment of rents or when the lessor needs to occupy the building leased.
Rents exceeding twenty percent of the annual assessment value of the building and lot (if both belong to lessor) or the actual assessment value of the building plus rent on the lot (if the lot belongs to another person) are presumed unjust and unreasonable.
Both must file affidavits individually and separately with the city or municipal mayor within five days of execution or occupation, stating the building's location, parties' names and addresses, lease duration, assessed value, and agreed rent.
The court may suspend the execution of an order for ejection or rent recovery for a period not exceeding six months upon the lessee's petition and subject to conditions prescribed in the Act.
The building or lot must be solely for dwelling, the petitioner cannot secure another dwelling, has used due diligence to find one, filed in good faith, and is willing to comply with court requirements and orders.
The lessor or agent may be fined not more than one thousand pesos or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, at the court's discretion.
Leasing the building or lot to another within one year after ejecting the former lessee under such a claim.
A fine of not exceeding two thousand pesos, imprisonment for not more than two years, or both penalties.
They may be fined up to one thousand pesos, imprisoned for up to one year, or both, and may face perjury charges if applicable.
No, subleasing without written consent is prohibited and punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred pesos, plus it is cause for ejection of the sublessee and lessee.
The Act is effective for a period of four years after its approval.