This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Kenyans' ability to pay rent, the Landlords and Tenants Association Of Kenya has suggested a novel solution: allowing landlords to access their tenants' employers.
According to Secretary-General Ben Liayi, this measure would enable landlords to verify a tenant's ability to pay rent, as many house occupants are allegedly lying about their financial situation to avoid responsibility.
Liayi believes that this would foster trust and maintain cordial relationships between landlords and tenants, allowing landlords to offer rent relief to deserving tenants.
“Most landlords know when a tenant is telling the truth or when they are lying. It helps to have a good relationship,” Liayi said.
Liayi's proposal comes as a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that 30.5% of households were unable to pay rent on time in April, citing reduced income.
KNBS' report also revealed that approximately 21.5% of households that normally pay rent on an agreed date were unable to post their rent for the month of April 2020 on time.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe had urged landlords to be lenient with their tenants in April, citing the need to be sensitive to the struggles of many families.
