On Wednesday, Real Estate Agent Keith Vassallo voiced his frustration on Facebook over “the greed of some property owners.”

He shared that as a young man in the real estate industry, he is “disgusted” by the fact that some property owners “offer a single cramped room where the kitchen and shower are uncomfortably squeezed in for an absurd [monthly] €799.”

Indeed, just a few months ago a studio for rent in Gozo grabbed the attention of many expats and locals due to its exceedingly tight quarters, with the difference, however, that the landlord was charging roughly €8 per day, making the unit highly affordable for low-income individuals. 

In Keith Vassallo's arguments, he is calling out circumstances where tiny living quarters are being rented at a premium, which he describes as “not only morally offensive but potentially illegal.”

“I refuse to subject my clients to such inhumane living conditions. My principles guide me to stand against exploitation,” he boldly continued.

Inhumane living conditions in rental properties have been a hot topic for many years in Malta. With the increase in demand by foreign workers, media reports were rife with apartments being rented to a high number of individuals.

Some landlords had even advertised multiple bunk beds available for individuals to rent a room when the housing unit’s kitchen and bathroom facilities were not designed for large numbers. This created health and safety issues as well as hygiene concerns among many.

This has led for the Government to propose a two-person cap, per bedroom, in rental accommodation.  

Elaborating further, Mr Vassallo highlighted that, “thankfully”, he can walk away from such unethical practices.

“I will not support or facilitate such greed, and while I thank God, I am also grateful that I don’t have to. I have a reputation to maintain and a name that I stand behind,” Mr Vassallo concludes.