Tanzania rental woes: Tenants express frustrations as landlords increasingly extend lease terms in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam. A new trend is emerging in the house-renting business in Dar es Salaam as landlords are gradually extending the lease term, causing frustrations and uncertainties among tenants.

For many years, the requirement has been for new tenants to pay six months’ rent in advance, a trend that is currently changing.

A growing number of landlords are now demanding payment for eight months, a change that has sparked widespread discontent among tenants.

A survey by The Citizen in Manzese, Mabibo, and Tandale areas confirmed the trend, with some tenants expressing their frustrations.

Mabibo resident Sophia Rajab, who just started her career as an accountant at a city company, questions the fairness and regulation of the rental market in the country.

"I'm honestly quite frustrated by the demand to pay for eight months in advance. It looks like the landlords are unregulated. They are just making life harder for people like me, who are already struggling to settle into a new city and job," she says.

Lilian Semfunwe, a university student, is also dismayed by the situation, arguing that it’s unreasonable and unjust for students who have limited financial resources.

“Housing costs are adding a financial strain on students who struggle to balance their education with basic living expenses,” she says, adding that the new payment terms are another financial barrier hindering access to education and basic necessities.

Similarly, Daniel Dominick, a graduate eager to kick-start his career, is disappointed by the trend, which he describes as a “slap on the face.”

"It's disheartening to see landlords prioritising profit over the well-being of young professionals like me. This change only serves to reinforce the challenges of starting out in the real world," he shares.

For Michael Baraka, who recently got married, the trend is not only a financial burden but a setback in his new family life.

"My wife and I were hoping to start our family journey on stable ground, but the new rent payment requirement throws a wrench into our plans,” he says. The change is a setback for the newlyweds as they try to build a secure future for their family.

Grace Razack, an entrepreneur at the Mawasiliano bus terminal, says the new payment requirement is incredibly frustrating, adding that the trend undermines confidence in the rental market.

She accuses the landlords of prioritising their personal gains while ignoring market demands.

Mr Faustine Mwakapala, a landlord who manages multiple properties, cites a rise in maintenance costs as one of the reasons for extending rental terms.

He says the extension from six to eight months is a way to mitigate financial risks associated with property damage or unpaid rent.

"It's a measure to ensure the long-term sustainability of my rental homes as well as maintaining a reliable income stream," he says.

Ms Mushi Kimaro, shares similar reasons, saying that the money helps her to provide quality service to tenants.

"By adjusting the payment requirement, I can address maintenance issues promptly and maintain the overall standard of the house. It's about fostering a positive and sustainable rental environment for everyone," she says.

Mr Casmir Ngonyani, a landlord in Manzese, says the change in payment terms helps him mitigate default risks and ensure his financial stability amidst economic uncertainties.

"With economic uncertainties and potential fluctuations in rental demand, it's essential to have sufficient reserves to cover expenses and maintain profitability. Increasing the rental term helps me better manage these risks and protect my investment in rental homes," he says.

The chairperson of the Tenants Association of Tanzania, Mr Abdallah Msagama, says while no formal complaints have been lodged with the association, it's crucial to address potential issues that may arise in “our bustling town, including the notion of landlords increasing rental deposits from six to eight months.”

"Such a move could place undue financial strain on tenants, particularly those already grappling with the high cost of living in the city. It's essential to ensure that rental policies uphold principles of equity and affordability for all residents, regardless of their financial status,” he says.

According to him, even with the absence of direct reports, it's imperative for the association that advocates for tenants' rights to pay attention to the claims and address any potential challenges that may impact the community's well-being.

“We stand ready to engage with both tenants and landlords to foster constructive dialogue and seek solutions that promote fairness and accessibility in the rental market," he adds.