Housing chiefs have been handed a strong ultimatum by furious tenants outraged at the latest Government Housing rent increases -- retract the new rate or face the consequences.

At a meeting of tenants at the BIU headquarters last night tenants unanimously voted to take further action if their demands are not met by the end of the month.

Along with the quashing of the new rents residents are also demanding that: No charge should be levied for water.

Tenants should not have to pay Land Tax.

Bermuda Housing Corporation should instigate a new policy on affordable housing -- with a considerable input from tenants themselves.

Tenants should be able to pay rents without the need of financial assistance.

Last night's meeting was held following talks between tenant group leaders and Bermuda Housing Corporation, along with Housing Minister Jim Woolridge earlier in the week.

While committee members reported that the meeting had been cordial they confirmed that no progress had been made in the struggle to get rents reduced.

After last night's meeting Lou Matthews from Rebuilding Our Community -- one of the splinter groups fighting for tenant's rights, said: "We are trying to exhaust all avenues before we take any further action.

"We will be meeting with people from Bermuda Housing Corporation next Tuesday which will be our second meeting.

"But we have been fighting this for three years and you can understand the frustration that people feel.

"If this isn't resolved in the next two weeks then I can't say what possible action will be taken. But we will do whatever we have to do to get affordable, decent housing. That could mean a petition or demonstration.'' GOVERNMENT GVT