Majority of Kenyans are staring at a cash-strapped January, with a struggling economy that is yet to recover after a general election and a pandemic hit.
The resultant economic shocks have seen the cost of living shoot through the roof, leaving many broke.
On the other hand, most Kenyans who work in the formal sector also got their salary paid before the Christmas holiday, meaning it will be more than 30 days before they get another paycheck.
Also, many either used or squandered their salary over the festive period, on travel, impulse buying, and avoidable consumption.
The three factors result in Kenyans making excuses for not paying rent in January.
Kenyans.co.ke looks at five common excuses Kenyans to evade paying their landlords and ladies.
Not received my salary yet.
Kenyans lie to their landlords that they are yet to receive December payment while, in truth, they have already squandered it and cannot remember when they last spent the last coin.
They hope the lie will last long enough for them to receive January's salary.
I will utilize my deposit.
Most houses ask for a one-month rent deposit before a tenant moves in.
Kenyans in January usually convince landlords that they will utilize their deposit and move out at the end of January. Once they receive the January payment, they convince the caretaker to let them stay.
No job at the moment
Some Kenyans go to the extent of lying that they lost their jobs to solicit sympathy and not pay January rent.
Imminent super deal
Landlords are usually told about an imminent super deal that will bring in a lot of cash. The promise of extra payment even entices them if they become lenient with a due date.
Bank account suspended
'My account has been suspended and I am trying to sort it out' is common lie landlords hear in January.
Magically, the account is restored at the end of January.
As the year begins, plan your finances well, purpose to live within your means, diversify your sources of income and save. Happy new year!
