Covid-19 has presented a financial strain on various people across the world. Recently, the President of Uganda advised landlords not to evict their tenants during this critical time since such evictions would exacerbate the spread of Covid-19.
In my opinion, this advice should be heeded to; and this involves cooperation between landlords and tenants. Landlords and tenants should try to resolve issues mutually before involving authorities. They can resort to revising the terms of their tenancy agreements to include more flexible payment plans; for example payment of rent in installments and temporary rent reductions.
Any revised agreements should be put into writing and signed by both parties, indicating agreed payment terms in order to protect both the landlords' and tenants' interests.
Tenants should be considerate to landlords and not expect suspension of rent payments since landlords as well have pressing obligations to meet during this period. Also, some tenants have been habitual rent defaulters and this makes it tricky on the landlord's part.
To foster good relations between landlords and tenants, continuous and timely communications should be made between the two. In case a tenant feels unable to meet his/her obligations, he/she should inform the landlord in a timely manner. Landlords should also try to be understanding where tenants are not able to meet their obligations.
Where parties to tenancy agreements fail to reach a consensus then they can involve authorities like the Local Council Chairperson, Community Liaison Officer, Resident District Commissioner, Police or other relevant authority within their area.
However, the best approach is for the parties to understand each other and aim at a win-win solution. Also, reference should always be made to tenancy agreements if any.
We can help landlords and tenants by making them aware of the possibility of waiving their rights under tenancy agreements; the consequences of acting arbitrarily on the part of landlords; as well as temporary solutions they can implement during this crisis.
Covid-19 has presented a financial strain on various people across the world. Recently, the President of Uganda advised landlords not to evict their tenants during this critical time since such evictions would exacerbate the spread of Covid-19.
In my opinion, this advice should be heeded to; and this involves cooperation between landlords and tenants. Landlords and tenants should try to resolve issues mutually before involving authorities. They can resort to revising the terms of their tenancy agreements to include more flexible payment plans; for example payment of rent in installments and temporary rent reductions.
Any revised agreements should be put into writing and signed by both parties, indicating agreed payment terms in order to protect both the landlords' and tenants' interests.
Tenants should be considerate to landlords and not expect suspension of rent payments since landlords as well have pressing obligations to meet during this period. Also, some tenants have been habitual rent defaulters and this makes it tricky on the landlord's part.
To foster good relations between landlords and tenants, continuous and timely communications should be made between the two. In case a tenant feels unable to meet his/her obligations, he/she should inform the landlord in a timely manner. Landlords should also try to be understanding where tenants are not able to meet their obligations.
Where parties to tenancy agreements fail to reach a consensus then they can involve authorities like the Local Council Chairperson, Community Liaison Officer, Resident District Commissioner, Police or other relevant authority within their area.
However, the best approach is for the parties to understand each other and aim at a win-win solution. Also, reference should always be made to tenancy agreements if any.
We can help landlords and tenants by making them aware of the possibility of waiving their rights under tenancy agreements; the consequences of acting arbitrarily on the part of landlords; as well as temporary solutions they can implement during this crisis.