PACI to Revamp Rental Regulations with New Electronic Lease System.The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) is set to revolutionize the process of renting and vacating commercial and investment properties with a new set of regulations aimed at enhancing the management of addresses on civil cards. This initiative will introduce a sophisticated electronic lease system, promising significant improvements in service efficiency and address verification.
Electronic Lease Contracts and Address Verification
Mansour Al-Mazen, the acting director of PACI, announced the authority’s strategic move to provide 70% of its services electronically. At the forefront of this digital transformation is a new platform scheduled to launch early next year. This platform will facilitate the electronic signing of lease contracts for commercial and investment properties, ensuring that landlords and tenants can finalize agreements online. This digital contract will become the sole method for address verification, with paper contracts being phased out except in exceptional cases.
Mandatory Electronic Contracts and Reporting
Al-Mazen emphasized the shift towards electronic contracts, stating that while paper leases may still be signed, tenants will only be able to verify their residence through the electronic contracts issued by the new platform. Furthermore, landlords will be required to report any changes in tenancy using this platform, ensuring that PACI’s records are always up-to-date.
Updates on Gulf Nationals and Card Issuance
In a bid to tighten regulations for issuing civil cards to Gulf nationals, PACI is considering the introduction of a temporary “Certificate for Whom It May Concern.” This certificate, valid for three months, would facilitate transactions until a permanent civil card is issued, contingent upon proof of employment and income.
Fee Increases and Service Enhancements
Al-Muthanna, another PACI official, revealed plans to raise fees associated with issuing, renewing, or replacing lost civil cards. Additionally, charges for services provided to the private sector will be increased. These measures aim to address delays and manage the backlog of card deliveries. A new plan includes imposing a 20-dinar fine for individuals who do not collect their cards promptly and contracting additional companies to enhance distribution efficiency.
Card Delivery and Maintenance
Addressing concerns about card delivery on weekends and holidays, Al-Muthanna explained that such a practice is not feasible due to the extensive mechanical maintenance required for the card delivery devices, which are serviced weekly.
Address Reporting Requirements
Under the Civil Information Authority Law, individuals must report their new address when changing residence. If a previous resident is removed, PACI will update the address records, notify the individual via the “My Identity” and “Sahel” applications, and publish the change in the Kuwait Al-Youm Official Gazette (Kuwait Today). Failure to modify the address will restrict transactions in the “My Identity” application.
New Address Registration and Documentation
Citizens can register a new address through the Sahel application or by visiting PACI. For investment housing contracts, proof of residence is required via the lease contract, the property document, or an electricity bill in the tenant’s name. Additionally, acknowledgments from both the tenant and the property owner are necessary if the lease is in the name of a third party.
Comprehensive Approach for Efficient Service Delivery
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure accurate and efficient management of residential addresses while improving overall service delivery. By transitioning to an electronic system for lease contracts and address verification, PACI is poised to streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the accuracy of civil information records.
Conclusion
PACI to Revamp Rental Regulations with New Electronic Lease System. PACI new electronic lease system aims to streamline rental processes, enhance address verification, and improve service delivery, ensuring efficient and accurate management of civil information for both commercial and residential properties in Kuwait.
