The Public Rental Board (PRB) is stepping up enforcement action to recover more than $1 million in outstanding rental arrears, as it moves to strengthen its financial management under its new strategic plan.

PRB Chairperson Asenaca Nawaqalevu says unpaid rent remains an ongoing challenge for the Board, prompting a review of its operational plan and procedures for managing tenants and recovering debts.

Speaking after the launch of PRB’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, Ms Nawaqalevu confirmed that the Board was pursuing tenants with outstanding rental payments through legal channels.

“We have rental arrears of over one million, and now we are taking enforcement actions,” she said.

Ms Nawaqalevu says cases involving debts of up to $5,000 are being referred to the Small Claims Tribunal, while larger claims are being pursued through the courts.

The Small Claims Tribunal has jurisdiction to hear eligible civil claims of up to $5,000, providing a process for resolving such disputes.

She says the Board has revised its operational plan and manual to provide clearer direction on handling rental arrears and other tenancy-related issues.

The debt recovery effort comes as PRB faces increasing pressure to provide affordable housing for low-income families while ensuring it has the financial capacity to maintain existing properties and expand its housing stock.

Ms Nawaqalevu says the Board must balance its commercial responsibilities with its social obligation to provide housing for families who may struggle to afford accommodation in the private rental market.

She says this challenge is becoming more significant as urbanisation increases demand for housing.

The Board is therefore looking at legislative changes and new investment opportunities to strengthen its financial sustainability and support the development of additional rental units.

Under its new strategic plan, PRB also intends to improve tenant management through regular social and economic surveys to monitor household circumstances, including income levels.

Ms Nawaqalevu says these assessments will help the management team better understand tenants’ situations and guide decisions on tenancy and enforcement.

The Board’s six-year tenancy policy, introduced last year, is also intended to encourage tenants to make long-term housing plans while allowing more families to access limited public rental accommodation.

PRB was established to provide affordable rental housing for low-income families, with its official mandate also recognising the need to maintain its properties and operate sustainably.

Ms Nawaqalevu says strengthening revenue collection and improving operational procedures will be important as the Board works towards increasing the availability of safe and affordable homes.

The strategic plan sets out PRB’s priorities for the next five years, including expanding housing opportunities, improving services and building more sustainable communities.