The Office of the Rent Commissioner and the Rent Control Department have directed private hostel owners to temporarily suspend any planned increase in hostel accommodation fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a press statement dated May 19, 2026, the office said the decision follows growing concerns over continuous increases in hostel fees around tertiary institutions across the country.
According to the statement, the rising cost of accommodation is becoming a major burden on students, parents, and guardians and could negatively affect access to higher education.
The Rent Commissioner therefore instructed all private hostel owners, managers, and operators to place a temporary hold on any intended fee increment until further notice.
The office also invited hostel owners, student leaders, tertiary institution authorities, and other stakeholders to a meeting to discuss fair and sustainable measures regarding hostel pricing and standards.
The meeting will focus on concerns over hostel fee increases, compliance with rent regulations, affordability, fairness, and transparency in the student accommodation sector.
The statement urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully in the interest of students, parents, educational institutions, and national development.
