Venezuelan lawmakers have unanimously approved a housing law aimed at making it easier to rent properties, following the devastating earthquakes last month that left thousands of people homeless. The measure repeals previous anti-rental legislation and seeks to address the urgent need for housing among earthquake survivors.
The twin tremors on June 24, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, killed over 5,500 people and destroyed or damaged over a thousand buildings, leaving more than 23,800 people homeless in the coastal state of La Guaira. National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez stated that the law aims to ensure people do not feel fear about renting out their homes, noting that up to 200,000 homes in Venezuela are currently not being rented due to restrictive regulations.
Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who must now enact the bill, has pledged to provide 4,000 homes to quake victims by the end of the year, with the government hoping to reach over 10,000 in 2027. The government has begun demolishing unsafe buildings in La Guaira, while rescue workers continue to search for victims under the rubble.
FAQs
- **What prompted the new housing law in Venezuela?** The new housing law was prompted by the devastating earthquakes in June that left thousands of people homeless. The law aims to make it easier to rent properties to address the urgent housing needs of earthquake survivors. - **How many people were affected by the earthquakes?** The earthquakes affected over 23,800 people, leaving them homeless. The tremors killed over 5,500 people and destroyed or damaged over a thousand buildings. - **What does the new housing law aim to achieve?** The new housing law aims to repeal previous anti-rental legislation and facilitate property rentals. It seeks to ensure that people do not feel fear about renting out their homes and address the shortage of rental properties. - **What are the government's plans for providing homes to quake victims?** The government, led by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, has pledged to provide 4,000 homes to quake victims by the end of the year, with the hope of reaching over 10,000 in 2027.
