With the tough economic times, tenants who fall behind on rent often find themselves embroiled in a series of consequences from landlords who are hellbent on reminding them of their financial obligations.
While some landlords understand their tenant's financial needs, others employ a range of punitive measures to enforce prompt payment.
Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at some of the tactics landlords use to punish tenants who delay rent payments.
Cutting Power Supply and Water
A common trick employed by landlords is cutting utilities including power and water supply. Tenants are left with no choice but to pay rent to restore the services.
The tactic aims to create an environment of discomfort, with the hope that the tenant prioritises rent and swiftly resolves the outstanding payment.
This approach, however, raises ethical concerns about the financial hardships faced by tenants, especially with the high cost of living.
Removing a Section of the Roof
Ever imagine a landlord removing a section of your roof or unhinging your door for delaying rent? This predicament faces a lot of people residing in rural areas - with the aim of compelling the tenant to part with the balance needed.
During a past interview on JKLive, Bodaboda Association Chair, Kenneth Onyango, intimated that the majority of riders face this challenge.
"Landlords have come up with new ways of demanding rent. At the end of the month, they either remove one section of the roof or the door. This is because some of the tenants have rent arrears amounting to two or three months. They keep giving excuses to the point the landlord is forced to use compelling means," he stated.
Adding an Extra Padlock
Another trick in the landlord's handbook is the use of an extra padlock to the property effectively denying the tenant access until the outstanding rent is settled. Perceived as an effective tactic, the tenant is prompted to pay the rent to gain entry to his home.
The adverse measures, however, bring into play the mental effects brought by the tactics as some tenants live in fear owing to the punitive measures.
Threats
The unsettling tactic aims at instilling fear and urgency in the tenant, compelling them to pay the rent. Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a tenant residing in Donholm Estate, Nairobi, indicated how they were forced out of a one-bedroomed apartment in Umoja after receiving threats from the landlord.
"I was kicked out of a one-bedroom apartment in Umoja after the landlord differed with us. What began as a confrontation, ended up in the landlord calling a few people to assist us in 'packing'," she stated.
NOTE: Some landlords employ all the tactics simultaneously to fasten the payment process.
