Landlords over decades have been counting loses as a result of rogue tenants disappearing without paying rent.
However this could be a thing of the past after, Urban Landlords and Tenants Association of Kenya (ULTAK) Secretary General Ephraim Murigo revealed that they will begin listing rent defaulters on the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), once they receive clearance.
In preparation, the association has sent the word out to their tenants to seek CRB clearance before moving out, to maintain a clear record.
According to Murigo, the move will aid in curbing the rising number of rent defaulters.
“We handle more than 100 cases of rent disputes and this will be the only way to minimise them and ensure both the landlord and the tenant live harmoniously.
“It will also help keep details of tenants moving into our houses and fostering security,” he commented.
Citing security concerns, he noted that it was also important for every landlord to register their current tenants, and review their past records.
Murigo was of the view that landlords should form relationships with their tenants, rather than letting agents manage their property, further citing that legal action would be taken against such landlords.
“Landlords do not want to be known by tenants because when they do crazy things like removing the roof or door, and they can still hide. We promise to institute legal proceedings against such landlords and make sure they are brought to book,” he noted.
Metropol Credit Reference Bureau Managing Director Sam Omukoko
The move also supports a 2016 initiative by Metropol CRB whereby Managing Director Sam Omukoko, stated that landlord’s information should be included in credit applications to boost the vetting of borrowers.
In his statement, he commented that if landlords were given the opportunity to contribute to the creditworthiness of prospective borrowers and to give a correct credit score, it would help keep every tenant on their toes.
Nowadays, utility bills like telephone, cable, electricity, and water are included in one’s credit report and the addition of rent will provide more comprehensive creditworthiness of prospective borrowers.