Punyawathie v. Uvais – sllr 1988 volume 1 page 334

In the case between Punyawathie (landlord) and Uvais (tenant), the court addressed the issue of tenant liability for arrears of rent following an attempt by the landlord to impose an increased rent amount after a statutory revision in the authorized rent value. It was held that the tenant could not be held liable for the higher rent in the absence of a clear demand and mutual agreement regarding the increase, reaffirming the principle that a binding obligation to pay increased rent arises only upon clear consent from both parties. The decision was grounded in the interpretation of “actio locati” under Roman Dutch law and relevant statutory requirements, emphasizing that mere notice of an increased authorized rent does not constitute a contractual commitment by the tenant without unequivoca