MPs oppose proposal to penalize landlords who annoy tenants

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Physical Infrastructure Committee of parliament has resolved to delete a clause in the Landlord and Tenant Bill, 2018 that seeks to fine or jail landlords who annoy their tenants.

The Bill seeks to formalize and regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants. Clause 51 of the Bill seeks to bar landlords from subjecting their tenants to annoyance.

However, legislators across the political divide agreed on Monday to delete the provision, saying it is vague and can be subject to abuse by tenants to the disadvantage of landlords and property owners.

The Busongora North MP, William Nzoghu, says the committee found the proposal wanting in terms of research and evidence from the Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ministry on how landlords annoy tenants. They also questioned why the clause doesn’t also allow landlords to sue tenants who annoy them.

Nzoghu, who doubles as the Shadow Works and Transport Minister, also argues that parliament shouldn’t be seen to be interfering with affairs between landlords and tenants but rather it should ensure that there is a mechanism of resolving disputes and streamline the relationship between the two parties.

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