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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Jun 2010 : 14:57:01
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The D.O. has an interesting piece highlighting the rents charged by landlords, and such landlords asking for many months of rent to be paid in advance,this has two sides of the coin,exploitation by landlords and non payment of rents by tenants so its not all onesided as to get a tenent out from your premises if you are a landlord takes some considerable time and it would appear that the weight of the legislation is on the tenants side.
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/landlords-be-humane
Landlords, be humane!
Africa » Gambia
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Editorial
It has been brought to the attention of the Daily Observer that some landlords in the country are increasing their house rent beyond the affordability of the average Gambian. We wish to remind those concerned that such acts tantamount to domestic exploitation and also contravene the 1995 Rent Decree.
The landlords are making life difficult for people. For instance, most two-bedroom flats that were going for between D400-600 some years ago are now priced between D2000-4000. These unscrupulous landlords also demand for up to six months, one-year or two years advance payment from anyone coming to rent their houses. Another tactic they employ is using the services of so-called estate agents to rent out the houses. These agents, apart from the exorbitant fees charged by the landlords, also charge a large sum as their 'commission', which is paid by the would be tenant. This unhealthy scenario is definitely getting out of hand.
The actions of these landlords could best be described as sheer greediness and wickedness bothering on megalomania. Some of them claim they have to increase their rent because of the high cost of building a house. Such an excuse is not at all credible. A house built today is a permanent investment that will continuously generate income for the owner for as long as he/she lives, and also passes on to the person's children, who will also continue to collect money from the tenants. So, there is no justification whatsoever in charging such horrendous amounts as rent. We are also aware that it is not only the rent of newly built houses that are being hiked. That of houses built many years ago are also being increased.
In The Gambia, as in any other country, workers' are paid on a monthly basis; one then wonders how landlords who demand for six, one-year or two years rent advance expect people to be able to pay such bulk amounts. Such shylock acts would deny the poor a decent housing and can force people into dubious activities just to meet tenancy demands.
The government, which spent so much to provide basic amenities, went to the extent of reducing tariffs on some social services, all in an effort to make life very easy for the people. It is rather sad that the landlords who themselves are also enjoying such amenities are making life extremely difficult for their fellow countrymen.
The concerned authorities particularly the municipal councils should conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and bring the culprits to justice. This is why the Rent Tribunal was established. Each council has a Rent Tribunal that looks into rent-related issues. We have gone far in our struggle for development; unscrupulous elements in our midst should not be allowed to taint the already existing humanistic environment. The government on its part is ensuring that development reaches everybody's doorstep; it is we the people who have to be each other's keeper so that overall societal advancement can be achieved.
Author: Daily Observer
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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