Parliament has passed the Landlord and Tenant Bill, 2018 aimed at harmonizing the relationship between landlords and Tenants.
The house also approved the provision within the Landlord and Tenant Bill 2018, requiring rent to be charged in the local currency as opposed to the US Dollar as has been the case.
The debate followed a recommendation by the Parliamentary committee on physical infrastructure that the choice of currency should be left to the two parties to decide what currency they want to use. This was proposed by committee chairperson Robert Ssekitolekko and supported by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, that a tenant and the landlord should decide between themselves, what currency favors them.
However, Hon. Muhammad Nsereko the Kampala MP, said Ugandans should borrow a leaf from developed countries and guard its currency through legislation that encourages use of the local currency while transacting business.
He argued that landlords should stop charging rent in dollars, especially those in downtown arcades who have been suffering for many years at the hands of inconsiderate landlords.
The house also ruled that the tenancy agreement signed by both parties should provide for use of toilets in commercial premises. MPs agreed that the landlord may choose to charge a fee on use of toilets by tenants or any other customers.
This followed a submission by state minister of health Sarah Opendi that the fee should be removed to mitigate incidences of using polythene bags for disposal of human waste. She argued that it is an issue as far as sanitation of urban centres is concerned.
Landlords will also be expected to notify tenants about plans to increase rent in a period of 90 days.
