A sunset clause on rent for business properties leased from both the government and private owners is soon to come into effect whereby the properties will revert to the owners on June 1, 2028.

Speaking in parliament tonight, he explained that the clause was agreed on in a unanimous vote in the House.

Replying to questions, he said that this only applied where contracts did not specify otherwise with regard to the renewal of the lease.

Properties rented for use as clubs do not fall under this clause.

Replying to PN MP Jason Azzopardi, Dr Bonnici said that to date there had been no change in the decision unanimously agreed when the rent laws were amended.

The 'sunset clause' he said, applied for rents entered into before June 1, 2008. There would be no distinction between the government and private owners.

As for properties rented for use as clubs, of whatever nature, he said the courts had confirmed the new mechanism which improved the rents were in line with the European Convention on human rights.