Landlord and tenant responsibilities

Mar 26, 2019

"Many tenants don't bother to sign such a document, a tenancy agreement is important because it covers most of the contentious issues," he says.

Damba Kezekia, director Dream Umoja Data Property Agency says before a tenant moves into the premises, he or she and the landlord should sign an agreement to show that they know what is expected of them.

"Many tenants don't bother to sign such a document, a tenancy agreement is important because it covers most of the contentious issues," he says.

The maintenance costs are entirely the responsibility of the landlord. Kezekia says the other repair cost might fall on the tenant, but the tenancy agreement should clearly state that.

Security

Kezekia says on security, the tenant must get the landlord's approval, after that then you can have your dog, get a security guard or install a security system.  . If the new tenant requests that the locks be changed at the beginning of a new tenancy, the landlord is responsible for re-keying or changing the locks so that the keys issued to previous tenants do not give access to the residential premises.

The landlord is required to pay for any costs associated with changing the locks in this circumstance.

Garbage

Peter Wasswa, the proprietor of Musooka construction company limited, says unless there is an agreement to the contrary, the tenant is responsible for removal of garbage and pet waste during, and at the end of tenancy.

Emptying septic, water or oil tank

Wasswa says the landlord is responsible for emptying a holding tank that has no field and for cleaning any blockages to the pipe leading into the holding tank except where the blockage is caused by the tenant's negligence. The landlord is also responsible for emptying and maintaining a septic tank with a field.

But for a tenant who lives in a single-family dwelling, Wasswa says he is responsible for routine yard maintenance, which includes cutting grass

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