VALLETTA — The Government today announced a simple fix to the National Audit Office’s embarrassing report: from January everyone will be declared a landlord, ensuring Malta meets its new target for a “dignified standard of living."
"Kemm hu sempliċi,” said Minister for Finance Karmenu Farrugia at a press conference outside the Auberge. “If you are on an electricity bill, congratulations — you are now officially a landlord. If you sleep under a blanket, iva, you are subletting to yourself. The numbers will look great. Uwejja, problem solved.”
How it works
The scheme involves a one-page form, a stamp, and a new digital title called the “Certifikat ta’ Dignità.” Every person who signs the form receives a PDF certificate declaring them owner or landlord of “one habitable space,” which can include a sofa, a cupboard, or a garage where a cousin once kept a mattress.
Planning is supportive, naturally. The Planning Authority will now fast-track permits by issuing a single, universal permit called the “Permit To Feel OK.” Empty homes will be counted twice — once as empty and once as privately cultivated community heritage — which the Ministry says pushes the statistics firmly into ‘dignified’ territory.
”This is modern governance — data you can feel good about,”
Opposition MPs raised practical concerns. “What about people who already rent?” asked Pawlu Camilleri. The answer was simple: anyone renting will be listed as “landlord-in-spirit” and issued a commemorative key to a neighbour’s front door.
Banks reacted positively. HSBC, which last week reported lower profits, issued a statement praising the move for creating “a new class of mortgage-ready citizens,” while the Malta Bankers Association welcomed the extra paperwork as “stimulating for the economy.”
Charities were less enthusiastic, noting that dignity also involves cash, food, and functioning heating — but the Ministry says those are covered by a side scheme: everyone now qualifies for a free pastizzi when they show their Certifikat ta’ Dignità.
At press time, thousands of Maltese had successfully become landlords. One pensioner in Paola was seen trying to evict himself from his own armchair. Mela, progress.