Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. Huy

Introduced by Representative Marissa Lourdes M. Andaya

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Dormitories and boarding houses play an integral role in the provision of
housing facilities to individuals, most particularly to students who come from distant
provinces and city outskirts. The influx of those seeking temporary living
arrangements in major cities of the country makes the operation of dormitories and
boarding houses highly lucrative which has resulted in the proliferation of
structurally-defective dormitories and boarding houses.

The safety and general welfare of tenants is the State's paramount concern. It
recognizes that the tenants’ holistic well-being is affected by their living conditions.
As such, it is necessary that the physical and environmental components of these
temporary dwellings are safe, healthful and sanitary, and have amenities conducive
to living and studying

To give protection, not only to tenants, but also to legitimate operators of
these residential facilities, this bill seeks to standardize the operation of dormitories
and boarding houses. This bill requires dormitories and boarding houses to comply
with the minimum requirements set forth by the National Building Code and Fire
Code of the Philippines and to be regularly inspected up by local authorities before
they are issued license to operate.

This bill also provides clarity around rights and responsibilities of both tenants
and operators when disputes occur.

Immediate approval of this measure is eamnestly requested.

marissa TOURES M. ANDAYA


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
6101

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Marissa Lourdes M. Andaya

AN ACT STANDARDIZING THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
DORMITORIES AND BOARDING HOUSES, PROVIDING PENALTIES
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Statement of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote and improve the condition of those living in dormitories and boarding
houses. Towards this end, the State shall adopt a national standard for the
operation and maintenance of dormitories and boarding houses to make these
facilities conducive to learning and living.

Section 2. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms
‘shall mean:

a. Boarder — any student or person who lives in a dormitory or boarding house
for a consideration payable in cash;

b. Dormitory or boarding house — any house or building or portion thereof which
provide managed accommodation to boarders, with facilities for communal
use by tenants;

c. Dormitory or boarding house helpers — refer to cooks, food handlers, helpers
who handle the food services for the boarders and any other persons who
shall assist the owners of dormitories or boarding houses in housing
maintenance and similar household chores;


d. Landlord/lady, Owner, Operator — refers to any natural or juridical person who
owns, manages or maintains a dormitory or boarding house, or the duly
authorized representative or agent of such person;

e. License/Permit — is a right or permission granted by the local government to
any natural or juridical person to operate, manage or maintain a dormitory or
boarding house after payment of the license fees.

Section 3. License from Local Governments. — It shall be unlawful for any
person to own, keep, maintain or operate any dormitory or boarding house without
first obtaining a license from the city or municipal government. The license, which is
renewable annually, shall be posted in a conspicuous place and shall specify the
number of persons allowed to dwell or board in each dormitory or boarding house.

All local government units (LGUs), through their respective Sanggunian, shall
fix the annual license fees to be imposed on dormitories or boarding houses
considering the classification provided herein, the minimum rentals paid by the
boarders and other necessary considerations.

Section 4. Classes of Dormitories or Boarding Houses. — For purposes of
this Act, dormitories and boarding houses shall have the following classifications:

a. Class A — dormitories and boarding houses providing accommodations for
fifty (50) boarders or more;

b. Class B - dormitories and boarding houses providing accommodations for
thirty (30) or more but less than fifty (50) boarders;

c. Class C — dormitories and boarding houses providing accommodations for
twenty (20) or more but less than thirty (30) boarders;

d. Class D — dormitories and boarding houses providing accommodations for
less than twenty (20) boarders;

Section 5. Registration of Boarders. — Dormitories or boarding houses shall
maintain a register of boarders specifying the name, age, sex, address, school and
course studied, together with the curriculum year; or place and address of
employment for those working, and to include name, address and contact numbers
of parents or guardians for minors. Owners or landlords/ladies shall also keep a copy
of the written permission or contract with parents of minors to board in such boarding
house/dormitory. This registry shall record the days, months or years of the stay of
the boarders.


This registry shall be available for perusal and inspection of persons in
authority for any lawful purpose.

Section 6. Minimum Dormitory or Boarding House Rentals. — The LGUs,
through their respective Sanggunians shall fix the minimum monthly boarding rentals
taking into consideration the following factors:

b.

cs

Site of the dormitory and boarding house, whether urban or rural areas;
Classification of the dormitory or boarding house;
Facilities and amenities offered;

Number of boarders allowed in each room;

. Construction of the building; and

Such other factors which may be deemed necessary under the
circumstances.

In the absence of any agreement for the payment or additional expenses for
electric, telephone and water utility bills, the minimum dormitory or boarding house
rental prescribed under this Section shall be the basic rentals which shall be paid to
the owner, inclusive of electric, telephone and water bills.

Section 7. Rental Discounts to Student Boarders. — All dormitories and
boarding houses shall give a discount of ten percent (10%) for all students. Students
shall be required to present school registration cards or similar documents to serve
as proof thereof.

Section 8. Premises and Facilities

Construction — The building to be used as dormitory or boarding house
must comply with the National Building Code of the Philippines and its
revised implementing rules and regulations. All rooms, passageways and
other parts of the premises especially those intended for reading and
studying purposes shall be properly and adequately lighted by natural or
artificial means or both in consonance with the standards of illumination
practices. All buildings erected or repaired for use as dormitories or
boarding houses shall have rooms with adequate ventilation and enough
space for comfort. All bedrooms shall have a window. Beds shall be
arranged in such manner as would provide adequate space to give the
boarders enough room for mobility.


b. Exits and passageways — shall conform with the Fire Code of the
Philippines 2008 and its IRR.

c. Alarm System and Fire Protection Equipment — shall conform with the Fire
Code of the Philippines 2008 and its IRR.

d. Rooms —- Dormitories and boarding houses shall have the following
separate rooms and amenities:

1. Bedroom - The bedrooms for boarders must comply with the provisions
of the National Building Code especially in terms of space, lighting,
ventilation so as to ensure comfort and ease for the occupants of the
same.

2. Dining room — The dining room shall be separate from the sleeping
quarters and must be maintained in a sanitary condition all the time.

3. Study areas — Adequate space and facilities for a conducive study
room shall be provided. Appropriate tables and comfortable chairs
must be provided; likewise with lights bright enough for studying
boarders.

4. Receiving Room - There shall be a receiving room where visitors
maybe received.

5. Lavatory and Bathroom — One comfort room and one bathroom shall
be provided for every five (5) boarders.

6. Kitchen - There shall be a separate kitchen area which shall be
maintained in a sanitary condition all the time and shall be provided
with garbage receptacles.

7. Water Supply — There shall be provisions for safe, potable water and
adequate supply for washing and other purposes.

8. Laundry and Washing — There shall be adequate water and facilities for
washing and drying of laundry.

e. First Aid Facilities. - Every owner shall maintain in the dormitory or
boarding house such basic first-aid medicine and equipment as may be
necessary for emergency purposes.



Section 9. Dormitory and Boarding House Helpers. — The owners and
operators of dormitories or boarding houses shall employ at least one helper for
every twenty (20) boarders or occupants for the proper maintenance of the said
dormitories or boarding houses. Provided that, helpers who shall be involved in food
preparation must secure health permit from the LGU.

Section 10. Security of Boarders — The owners and operators of dormitories
or boarding houses shall be responsible for the security and safety of boarders. As
such, it shall be incumbent upon the owners and operators to provide necessary
services or facilities to secure the boarders.

Section 11. Treatment of Boarders. — All boarders shall be treated in a just
and humane manner. In no case shall physical violence and other ignominious act
shall be inflicted upon them.

Section 12. Termination Notice. — If a period is fixed for the lease of a room
in the dormitory or boarding house, neither the owner nor the boarder may terminate
the contract before the expiration of the term, except for a just cause. If the boarder
is unjustly ejected from the dormitory or boarding house, he or she shall be paid
damages equivalent to one (1) month rental. If the boarder leaves without justifiable
reasons and without proper notice, he/she shall forfeit any deposit made on rentals
equivalent to one (1) month. If the duration of the stay in the boarding house is not
determined by contract or by agreement of the parties, the dormitory or boarding
house owner or the boarder may give notice to terminate the same at least fifteen
days (15) before the intended date thereof.

Section13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Local government units
through their respective Sanggunian shall pass an ordinance providing for the
necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Section 14. Penalty. — In case of violation of any provision of this Act , the
license and permit to operate the dormitory or boarding house and all sums paid
therefor shall, after due notice and hearing, be revoked and forfeited, and any person
responsible for such violation shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not
exceeding six (6) months or a fine not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000) and
not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (#100,000) or both, at the discretion of
the court.

Section 15. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

Section 16. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules
and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.


Section 17. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers
of general circulation.

Approved,