Across different neighborhoods of Kigali, many tenants are expressing frustration over landlords who frequently raise rent without making any improvements to the properties. They say prices go up even without renovations sometimes not even a fresh coat of paint leaving tenants to bear higher costs without receiving any added value.
Residents who spoke to Africa Diplomacy called on the government to intervene and establish stronger laws to protect tenants. They argue that property owners are exploiting Kigali’s high demand for housing, arbitrarily hiking prices and evicting those who cannot afford the new rates, knowing replacements can be found quickly.
Tenant Ihanabayo Loti said some landlords take advantage of the city’s growing population.
“Sometimes you move into a house, and within one or two months the rent has already gone up, even though nothing has been repaired or improved. The landlord hasn’t painted or renovated, yet the price keeps increasing. I believe the government should address this.” Similarly, Uzabarera Jeanne Gentille noted that landlords often justify rent increases by citing market changes, while tenants’ salaries remain stagnant. She urged the government to regulate the practice and consider reducing taxes on landlords to prevent them from shifting costs onto tenants.
“I am also a tenant and I’ve faced the same problem. Salaries don’t increase, but rent keeps going up. The government should step in to ensure landlords don’t make life harder for tenants, and perhaps reduce their taxes so they stop pushing the burden onto us.” Speaking to Africa Diplomacy, legal expert Munyentwali Maurice explained that the core issue is the lack of clear rental agreements. Even when contracts exist, he said, they often omit crucial clauses—such as how and when rent can be increased.
“The relationship between a landlord and a tenant is purely contractual. Article 64 of the law on contracts states that an agreement between two parties is binding, just like a law. This means whatever a landlord and a tenant agree upon must be respected by both sides.” He emphasized that rental contracts should clearly define the rent amount, the minimum period before any increase, and the conditions for contract termination.
“For example, if the contract specifies that rent will remain the same for one, two, or even five years, then the landlord cannot raise it before that period ends. The contract must also cover what happens if either party wishes to terminate it, to prevent sudden and unfair evictions.”
Munyentwali acknowledged that property values naturally rise due to market forces, inflation, and currency fluctuations, meaning rent increases are sometimes unavoidable. However, he stressed that such adjustments should be fair, transparent, and consistent with contractual terms not arbitrary hikes that exploit tenants.
He concluded by noting that agreements should specify not only when rent may be increased, but also by how much.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA