UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | From the bustling streets of Kampala to the serene landscapes of the countryside, the interactions between tenants and landlords in the vibrant real estate market have led to many unusual stories.
These accounts, shared by those who experienced them, highlight the challenges faced by both parties.
Tenants’ Experiences
Incomplete Rentals
Elizabeth Kabami, a tenant in Mpererwe, struggled after moving into a single-room rental. Despite paying four months’ rent in advance, basic amenities like functioning toilets and running water were unfinished.
The landlord promised to complete these essentials within the first week of her stay but continuously postponed the work.
“Three months later, nothing had been done,” Kabami said.
She had to find alternative accommodation.
In Entebbe, Alex Tugume encountered unexplained noises and chills in his new two-bedroom apartment.
The landlord had not mentioned the apartment’s haunted history.
Tugume left the rental despite having paid three months’ rent.
“I now research the history of rentals and their neighborhoods before moving in,” Tugume explained.
Noise Issues
Sandra Mawagi in Kyanja faced constant noise from nearby bars and clubs.
“Every night, loud music would blare from the nearby clubs until early morning. It was impossible to get a good night’s sleep,” Mawagi recalled.
Despite multiple complaints, the landlord did not resolve the issue, and Mawagi eventually moved out.
In the same locality, landlord Ahmed Byaruhanga rented his house to a seemingly quiet family who turned out to host loud parties every weekend.
“The noise was unbearable, and the neighbors constantly complained,” Byaruhanga said.
He eventually evicted them to restore peace.
Privacy Concerns
Agnes Mulungi, a renter, experienced multiple late-night visits from her landlord under the guise of rent collection.
“One night, he came when he was drunk, holding a glass of alcohol, asking if I had paid my rent in full,” Mulungi said.
The landlord also installed surveillance cameras throughout the property, including outside her bedroom window, which Mulungi found to be a significant invasion of privacy.
Unauthorised Modifications
Joseph Ariho, a landlord in Bukoto, discovered that one of his tenants, a traditional healer, had converted the living room into a shrine.
“When he moved out, it took considerable effort and expense to restore the house to its original state,” Ariho said.
Sarah Kabera, a property owner in Kabalagala, faced a similar situation when a tenant kept multiple pets, turning her compound into a zoo.
“There were rabbits, parrots, and even a monkey. The noise and smell were unbearable,” Kabera recounted.
DIY Projects and Safety Hazards
In Wakiso District, landlord Peter Kimuli dealt with a tenant who dug a dangerous well in the backyard without permission.
“It posed a serious safety hazard,” Kimuli said.
He had to hire professionals to fill it in.
Kimuli also had another tenant who attempted to renovate the kitchen without proper skills, leading to unsafe conditions.
“We had to negotiate a plan to professionally redo the renovations without causing too much disruption,” he said.
Unauthorised Subletting
Unauthorised subletting is a common issue, leading to overcrowding and potential legal problems.
“I have had cases where tenants rent out to multiple people, turning a single-family home into a crowded boarding house,” said landlord Brian Kalembe from Kampala.
Rent Paid in Kind
In rural areas, tenants sometimes offer goods or services instead of cash for rent, which can be impractical.
Betty Namuyimba, a landlady from Wakiso, shared, “One tenant offered to pay rent with bags of maize. While it was a nice gesture, it was not practical for my financial needs.”
Defaulters and Disappearances
Landlord Patrick Kiggundu from Ntinda allowed a tenant to stay after falling behind on rent, only for the tenant to vanish, leaving unpaid bills and a mess.
Similarly, Miriam Nansubuga from Kasangati found a fully furnished apartment abandoned by a tenant.
“It was like he vanished into thin air,” Nansubuga said.
Agnes Namubiru, a landlord in Gayaza, faced mysterious disappearances of household items, only to discover a former tenant with a duplicate key was stealing them.
“It was a huge relief when we finally caught the culprit,” Namubiru said.
Legal and Financial Implications
Handling these situations can lead to significant repair costs and legal disputes.
“It is crucial for both landlords and tenants to know their rights and obligations under Ugandan law,” advised Joseph Muwonge, a financial advisor specialising in real estate.
Clear lease terms and adequate insurance are essential.
Property manager John Kityo emphasised the importance of detailed tenancy agreements and periodic inspections to ensure property maintenance.
“Many of these issues arise from vague or non-existent tenancy agreements,” Kityo said.
Cultural Perspective
Cultural practices can influence rental experiences. In Uganda, traditional beliefs and practices often intersect with modern rental agreements, leading to unusual situations.
Understanding and respecting these cultural elements is crucial for harmonious relationships between tenants and landlords.
Tips for Avoiding Issues
To ensure a seamless rental experience, Kityo suggests:
Clear Communication
Discuss expectations and requirements before signing the lease.
Detailed Agreements
Outline potential issues like unauthorised alterations and subletting.
Regular Inspections
Conduct periodic inspections to catch issues early.
Cultural Sensitivity
Understand and respect cultural practices.
Legal Awareness
Know legal rights and obligations to avoid disputes.
By embracing these principles, tenants and landlords can foster harmonious relationships despite occasional oddities.
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