In Montenegro, over 160 apartments are currently uninhabitable, while 30 families are living as subtenants. This highlights the persistent issues within the housing policy, as noted by the Subtenants’ Association – Moj Dom.

“The latest census figures illustrate not only a troubling discrepancy between available resources and the actual needs of citizens, but also the profound dysfunction in the housing policy,” the statement emphasized.

The Tenants’ Association has been engaged in a continual struggle for four years to amplify the voices of tenants.

“Through media engagements, analyses, and direct dialogue with institutions, we aim to underscore that the housing crisis is a tangible problem affecting tens of thousands of people every day,” the Association remarked.

They have repeatedly stressed the urgent need for an official register of tenants and landlords, asserting that without such a system, the state lacks a foundation for any effective housing policies.

“The rental market largely operates in the shadows, devoid of proper oversight. Tenants frequently lack legal protections, resulting in substantial tax revenue losses for the state. Despite the increasing number of tenants, their rights, safety, and dignity remain sidelined. This situation is unsustainable both socially and economically,” the Association contended.

Moreover, the announcement of new large-scale urban planning and construction projects—like Velji Brdo in Podgorica and other luxury complexes across Montenegro—raises concerns, as there are no guarantees that these housing options will serve the citizens who need them the most.

“If current practices persist, we face the risk of tens of thousands of new housing units being converted into investment properties, seasonal rentals, or status symbols—well beyond the means of the average citizen. This would exacerbate the disparity between needs and availability while leaving the core issues unresolved,” the Association stated.

They have suggested implementing a register of tenants and landlords, creating legislation for long-term leases, providing subsidies for vulnerable populations, activating vacant apartments, regulating rental price hikes, developing public and social housing, and incorporating civil society and citizens into the planning of urban and housing policies.

“A home should not merely be an investment; it must serve as a sanctuary. As long as tens of thousands of families lack access to secure housing and hundreds of thousands of square meters lie unused, the systemic issues will remain apparent,” the statement concluded.

The Association cautioned relevant institutions that planning new residential areas without clear criteria for accessibility and social responsibility could worsen the crisis rather than resolve it.

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