Landlords should be able to receive rent from their tenants at the end of the month or as they agreed for that lease.
Tenants should maintain a calm environment at all times for the sake of their neighbors.
A tenant who fails to keep their agreement can get evicted or notified by the landlord to leave. For example, failure to pay rent/ on time or disturbing other tenants.
The landlord has a right to visit and inspect the premises frequently or as discussed with the tenants.
1. Landlords should maintain their properties and perform checks to ensure they are habitable. They should also ensure they are in good condition.
2. Landlords are expected to pay taxes for their property by the authorities. This usually depends on the value of their said property and the category or tax bracket they fall under.
3. Landlords have a responsibility to keep the tenants' personal information confidential. They should not share it or use it for other purposes without the tenants’ consent. They are also not supposed to collect unnecessary information. If they break confidentiality, they are liable to pay damages to the tenants among others.
4. Landlords are supposed to follow all legal requirements as required by relevant laws. They should adhere to all rental property laws as set by relevant authorities. They should also have all the necessary licenses and permits required to manage their properties.
Landlords should always remain true and dutiful to their tenants. In case of a damaged item e.g. broken hinge, the landlord is supposed to respond immediately to the complaint. This makes sure that the tenant is living under the right conditions. This also prevents further loss to the tenant.
Tenants have a right to experience a calm and quiet environment while residing. They should live without any form of disaster caused by the landlord or their neighbors.
Landlords should ensure the premises are secure for living. They should also provide the tenants with the privacy they need.
The tenant should get a written agreement from the landlord before the lease begins. This agreement has conditions that the tenant should observe while staying on the premises and any other policies.
Landlords should make repairs and maintain their property to make it safe for living.
Tenants have a right to seek legal action in case of a dispute through courts or the tribunal.
Landlords should charge a reasonable amount of rent. They should not hike prices without prior notice to the tenant.
1. Tenants have a responsibility to maintain and use the property properly. They should not disrupt the premises.
2. Tenants have a responsibility to pay rent to the landlord as the property guidelines require them to. They should also ensure to pay rent on time.
3. Tenants should ensure they always follow the conditions of their tenancy agreement. For example, abiding by any house rules the landlord might have set. Some of the landlords ban tenants from keeping pets while on their property.
4. Tenants also have to keep an active record of all the documents exchanged between them and the landlord, e.g. rent receipts.
These provisions create a balance between the two parties, enhancing a smooth and fair relationship. It is now easier for landlords and tenants to know how to go about solving their disputes in case they have one.
Some of the common disputes covered by the Act include rent increments by landlords and also covers non-rent paying tenants. Sometimes, landlords harass their tenants to vacate the premises or end their tenancy without proper notice. This Act shields tenants from such issues.
If a landlord wants to increase their property rent, it has to be reviewed and approved by the rent tribunal before instating it for the tenants.
In case of a quarrel, landlords and tenants can address the issue in several ways. For example, dialogue or negotiation. If they fail to agree, they may seek legal help through the rent tribunal or regular court system.
The tribunal solves disputes between landlords and tenants if brought before it. It is also entitled to further investigations of the dispute.
Landlords and tenants can also seek mediation. This involves a third party who is neutral to the conflict. They help them go through the discussion and help them reach a mutual agreement.
Another method is Arbitration. The conflicting parties involve a neutral third party who decides on their behalf. This decision binds the two parties.
Seeking legal action against a landlord when necessary is very important for you as a tenant. If you want legal action as a tenant, it is important to involve a legal professional e.g. a lawyer to help you. Also, ensure you follow all the legal procedures. Attend all the hearings to avoid compromising your case.
● This Act is important because it regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants in the housing sector creating amicable relationships.
● It helps us understand what the law requires of us as tenants and landlords.
● It very well defines the duties of tenants and what's expected of them while in an agreement with the landlord or before their lease agreement.
● It has provisions that serve both the landlords and tenants, making their relationship very easy to navigate.
● It provides some measures that parties (landlords and tenants) could use to address a conflict in case one arises while they are still in a contract.
This Act is very important for landlords and tenants as it defines their roles and what the law expects of them. It allows them to solve conflicts and also prevents any form of exploitation by either party.
Abiding by the act is a legal need and an important way to maintain a good relationship between the parties. It creates trust and harmony between the two parties since both have expectations.
A: The Act aims to regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants which in turn creates a stable relationship between them.
A: Any person who fails to comply with this Act is guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings. They can also get imprisoned for a period that is not longer than two months.
A: A procedure must be followed for a rent increase. The rent increment also has to be reviewed and approved by the rent tribunal before anything.
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