The relationship between landlords and tenants in the country can be termed as ‘complicated.’
This is in the sense that some rogue landlords refuse to pay back rent deposits to the tenants with others asking for an extension of a month to cover the down payment.
On the other hand, tenants delay or default from paying lease fees with others packing their belongings and fleeing at ungodly hours. This has resulted to landlords using crude methods like removing roofs and doors so as to recover their dues.
The Urban Landlords and Tenants Association of Kenya (ULTAK) Secretary General Ephraim Murigo has urged landlords to form relationships with their tenants apart from having agents manage their properties.
“Landlords hide from their tenants because when they do unreasonable things they cannot be identified. As an association, we will institute legal proceedings against such landlords and make sure they face the full force of the law,” said Mr Murigo.
This comes after the association proposed to list rent defaulters under the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) after being licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
READ: DCI HUNTS BANK HACKERS, POST SUSPECTED 130 NAMES
This move, according to Mr Murigo, will help in suppressing the rising cases of rent defaulters.
“We handle more than 100 cases of rent disputes and this will be the only way to minimize them and ensure both the landlord and the tenant co-exist harmoniously,” he said.
He added that security will be strengthened as the association and previous landlords will have details of those renting houses.
SEE ALSO: CAR FREE DAYS HITS PUMP DELAYING PILOT LAUNCH
“The country will be safer if all landlords under the association register details of their tenants and cite the reason for moving to a new residence,” added Mr Murigo.
A conference for the landlords on this proposal is underway to chat further on the idea.
Murigo further implored on the government to involve landlords in the Nyumba Kumi initiative to boost security.
Leave a comment