The Malta Developers Association (MDA) on Friday welcomed the proposed reforms within the rental market white paper, saying that it is "balanced", and "doesn't favor one side or the other".

The meeting between the MDA and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Accomodation, which was led by the Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes himself, marks the continuation of a public consultation period on the white paper on the rental market which was published on Monday.  The consultation period will run till 30 November.

The white paper, which focuses specifically on residential leases, has set out three mains aims; working towards the stability of the family, working towards the transparency and the professionalization of the private rental sector.  Longer rental contracts, rental contract registration and regulated annual price increases are among the reforms proposed within this white paper.

The MDA, represented by President Sandro Chetcuti, said that there was a positive will to accommodate more stability in the rental market, particularly with regards to affordability.

"Our association believes that there is a lack of property for people at the lower end of the market."

Chetcuti pointed out that this is particularly prevalent in the case of separations or single parent that would have to get by on their sole incomes. The idea of a public-private partnership to create affordable property for the most vulnerable to buy or rent.

Galdes welcomed the MDA's comments as the white paper has been worked on for over a year, and they were a major stakeholder.

"We thank you for the good ideas you came up with - especially with the issue of affordability."