Rental Edition: What is a Rental Deposit?

By Justina Hamupembe February 10, 2023 0

A rental deposit is a payment made by a tenant to a landlord or property management company before moving into a rental property, such as an apartment or house.

This money is used to cover the cost of any potential damages caused by the tenant, such as stains on the walls, broken cabinets, etc.

According to the Rents Ordinance Act 13 of 1977, Section 25(2), it is a requirement for a landlord to request and receive a deposit from the tenant, which cannot exceed half of one month's rent. This deposit is meant to cover any damages to the property or any loss of keys for which the tenant may be responsible.

Upon the termination of the lease agreement, the deposit must be refunded to the tenant, along with interest earned, minus any actual costs for repairs or replacement of lost keys.

To protect their interests, tenants should make an effort to document the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. This can be done through an inspection with the landlord or their agent, and noting any faults in writing, along with photographic evidence.

However, it's important to keep in mind that properties naturally wear and deteriorate over time, and tenants may not be held liable for these issues. When moving out, tenants should request an outgoing inspection and bring along any evidence, such as the original snag list and photographs.

To ensure a full refund of the deposit, tenants should thoroughly clean the property, wash the walls, and repair any holes before moving out. Landlords typically expect the property to be returned in a similar condition as it was at the start of the lease.

 A well-documented paper trail with before and after pictures can help support the tenant's case in the event of a dispute.

For enquiries Text, Call or email #yourhomegirl Justina Hamupembe

Cell: +264812726001

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Last modified on Sunday, 12 February 2023 21:34

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