A month ago, the President of Panama issued Executive Decree 145 which froze all rents and prohibits evictions for all housing rentals.
Now, Panama landlords are claiming that when a lease expires they can raise the rent. Their lawyers argue that the freeze only applies to current rents under an existing lease, When it expires, Executive Decree 145 will not apply.
This makes no sense as I lived in 2 rent freeze cities in other countries and landlords couldn't raise rents even when leases expired. After all, the purpose for a lease is to freeze the rent until it expires anyway. So, freezing rents and preventing evictions should kick in when a lease expires.
A rent freeze decree with a non-eviction order should mean that even if a lease expires the tenant should continue paying the current rent. The landlord won't be able to cut off lights, water, or cable TV/internet under the decree. Or, evict the tenant until after the current coronavirus emergency ends.
Any expats experiencing similar landlord problems in Panama?
Any Panama lawyers able to explain Executive Decree 145?