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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Nov 2010 : 12:11:19
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This from the D.O.
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/the-rent-system
I have some sympathy with the landlord who invests in building and then rents what he has built to a tenant,but the average Gambian has little money even if he has a job,comodities are expensive and schooling for children very expensive,it is not unusual for a tenant not to pay his rent on time because he has no money,so landlords are forced to demand big down payments to get their money,knowing full well that at the end of that time they will receive no more money and it will take at least 3 months to get rid of a non paying tenant, where else can you get 3 months for free ? if you took a minibus you cannot turn around and say I have no money,apart from losing rent the landlord has to go to get legal advice get a listing to have the matter dealt with perhaps even employ a lawyer and at the end of the day not get any money back, why because the tenant has no money.
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The rent system
Africa » Gambia
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Editorial
A few months ago we ran an editorial on the rent system in which we called on landlords to be humane and respect the Rent Decree of 1995 and also for the rent tribunals to assist in ensuring that landlords do not charge exorbitant fees. However, we are still receiving complaints from average people that renting fees are skyrocketing and landlords are still demanding an advance payment of between six months and two years. Such acts indeed tantamount to exploitation and also contravene the 1995 Rent Decree.
From a candid analysis, the actions of these landlords could best be described as sheer greediness and wickedness bothering on megalomania. When approached for an explanation to justify their actions, most of them claim they have to increase their renting fees because of the high cost of building materials. There is no doubt that 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 bulky 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.
We are therefore once more appealing to the concerned authorities particularly the municipal councils to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and bring the culprits to justice. This is why the Rent Tribunal was established. Each local 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 everyone's doorstep; it is we the people who have to be each other's keeper so that overall societal advancement can be achieved. Besides, it is a fundamental human right to have access to a house to lay your head. If house rent continues to skyrocket, many of the average persons who may not be able to afford the high fees would be pushed onto the streets; something that is sharp contrast of our national development aspirations and the objectives of our dynamic leadership.
We therefore hope that the concerned authorities would sanitise the rent system as soon as possible. They have to remember that controlling the rent system would definately make people majority of whom are contributing their quota to national development have a place to lay their heads; this would in turn enable them to maximise their productive capacity when at work, the multiplier effect of which would be a plus in our development process. We also wish to recommend that people be vigorously sensitised on the rent decree. This would make landlords aware of the implications of what they are doing.
Author: Daily Observer
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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