Phnom Penh authorities continue to enhance security at rental homes by requiring landlords to submit tenant profiles to local authorities, along with other cooperative measures.

On July 3, Chamkarmon district police, in collaboration with the Tonle Bassac joint command, conducted inspections of 13 rental houses in Group 40, Village 8.

These homes accommodate a total of 47 tenants, all of whom are Cambodian nationals, including 27 males. Authorities advised landlords to cooperate and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. They also recommended landlords install security cameras and fire extinguishers. Importantly, landlords are required to submit the profiles of all tenants to the local authorities.

Sam Vichheka, spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, stated that the initiative is part of an old plan being implemented with new activities. He mentioned that Phnom Penh Police chief Choun Narin has mandated the management, monitoring and control of temporary residences.

“This is to ensure better security, order,and safety in the community, especially in Phnom Penh, across all 105 policeadministrative posts,” Vichheka said.

Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, explained that this type of administrative inspection is permitted by law, allowing authorities and police to inspect rental homes. However, he clarified that this is not a compulsory search requiring a court order or specific criminal evidence.

He said the checks are not conducted everywhere, only in areas difficult to patrol. Sokhak urged the inspecting authorities to follow proper administrative procedures and legal guidelines, while landlords should cooperate by providing information to prevent any potential danger.

“We conduct these cooperative inspections to manage the situation because, unlike individual homes where we can track residents through family and residence books, we do not know the number of people staying in rental homes,” he added.