Recent news reports indicate that various regulatory authorities have joined forces to inspect residences accommodating a significant number of people under one roof and are taking measures to address the situation. Some individuals are raising concerns as to whether government has authority to intervene if these residents possess valid residential permits to live in Malta.
Indeed, we do have planning regulations in place, although they may be unfamiliar to many, which determine the maximum occupancy allowed for a dwelling, regardless of the residents’ background or the location of the residence.
Subsidiary legislation 552.15, that is the Development Planning (Use Classes) Order, clearly stipulates that once a dwelling has a valid planning permit, it can only be occupied by a single person or individuals living together as a family. If a group does not meet the definition of a family, which is not provided in planning legislation, the maximum number of residents allowed is six, even if it involves providing care for the occupants. This rule applies regardless of the property’s size or location. Even so, there is an exception allowing for the lodging of up to sixteen persons, but in such cases, the operation must be licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority, and the premises must be situated within an Urban Conservation Area.
Therefore, any action being undertaken is clearly in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
