向租房陷阱亮剑 司法护航“住有所居”

Core Viewpoint - The rapid increase in housing rental disputes in Beijing's Tongzhou District highlights significant issues in the rental market, particularly involving intermediary companies and illegal subletting practices [1][2]. Group 1: Rental Disputes and Court Findings - The Tongzhou District People's Court has received over 8,500 housing rental dispute cases from January 2022 to June 2025, with more than 70% of these cases involving intermediary companies as defendants [1]. - In a specific case, a tenant discovered an unauthorized fourth room in a rental property, leading to a court ruling that the landlord must refund the deposit due to a significant change in rental conditions [2]. - The court emphasized that the landlord's actions constituted a breach of contract, resulting in the obligation to return the full deposit [2]. Group 2: New Housing Rental Regulations - The implementation of the Housing Rental Regulations aims to address long-standing issues in the rental market, including safety, deposit refunds, and rental stability [2][3]. - The regulations prohibit the separate rental of non-residential spaces, such as kitchens and balconies, which is crucial for curbing illegal subletting practices [2]. - The regulations clarify the nature of rental deposits, stating that landlords cannot arbitrarily deduct from deposits without valid reasons, thus protecting tenant rights [3]. Group 3: Common Disputes and Legal Interpretations - Deposit disputes are a frequent source of conflict in the rental sector, with courts addressing issues such as the reasonableness of penalty clauses and the relationship between deposits and penalties in cases of tenant default [3][4]. - In a notable case, a tenant's early termination of a lease led to a court ruling that adjusted the landlord's excessive penalty claim, reinforcing the need for reasonable compensation [4]. - The court's decision to return the deposit underscores the importance of substantiating claims for damages with adequate evidence [4]. Group 4: Tenant Rights and Legal Guidance - Tenants are advised to verify the type of rental agency and scrutinize contract details to ensure proper recourse for deposit claims [5]. - The regulations mandate that rental contracts be signed using real names to prevent disputes arising from informal agreements [5]. - The collaboration between judicial and administrative bodies is emphasized as essential for maintaining a fair rental market, allowing tenants to report illegal practices and seek legal remedies [5].