26/09/2025
The cost of living has forced most landlords to be charging rentals in advances. It is as if the high cost of living only applies to them and not the tenants. At Area 23, a certain house is now 4 months vacant, because the owner wants 6 months rentals in his house of K550,000.
What is disturbing with these landlords is their ignorant of the terms. There are misunderstanding their right. Tenants pay rent in two modes. There are those who pay on 31st after being in the house. Here the landlord has a right to his money because you have used his property. Then, they are those who pay on 1st of the month. Here, the landlord has a right to money because you want to use his property.
Now, if you charge 6 months rent, you must never think that it is your right to the money, never! You are simply holding that money for the tenant. In fact most tenants do not even know that if you are moving out of the house you can demand your money back with interest. The landlord was simply holding your money, it is illegal to be deducting any money for whatever reason. Demand your money in full, you cannot pay for a service you did not use!
No one should deduct your money if you are moving out, sue him and demand interest including costs. This was your money held in trust by the landlord. It is not his money. Mwachulutsa kuba anthu!
