Most of You Drive Better Cars Than Me, Kenyan Landlord Tells Tenants Who Requested 50% Rent Waiver

A landlord from Kiambu County has turned down a request by his tenants to offer them a 50 percent rent waiver amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Residents of Jowac Apartments had sent the request to their landlord named Wambugu through a letter, saying the stay home order occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on their income, making it hard for them to meet their rental obligations.

"We are watching developments about coronavirus very closely and, as you might imagine, we are really concerned. Our financial circumstances have changed completely because of COVID-19 due to government’s advice on people to work from home.”

"Because of this, we would like to discuss the possibility of a 50% rent waiver for a period of May and June as we monitor how the situation goes bearing the fact that most of us are on unpaid leave," part of their letter read.

But in response, the landlord dismissed their request, noting that the property was built through a mortgage and that he is presently required to repay Sh1.04 million per month.

Besides, Wambugu asked the tenants not to assume that he earns more than them simply because he is a landlord, saying that most of them drive better cars than him.

"For your information, I am paying a loan of Sh1.048 million per month. Your request is untenable. Never assume that a person has more disposable income than you merely because he is your landlord.”

“Indeed, some of my tenants drive better cars than me. Most buildings are constructed using loans," he replied.