Most tenancy problems are about three things: the deposit, repairs and who pays for utilities. All three are settled in the first week, so that is where to pay attention.
Before you view
- Confirm the rent, the deposit and what the deposit covers. In Uganda the deposit is usually one month; more is unusual and should be questioned.
- Ask who pays for water, electricity, security and rubbish, and whether the unit has its own meters.
- Ask about notice periods, on both sides.
At the viewing
- Run every tap and flush every toilet. Check water pressure at the highest point in the house.
- Turn on the lights in every room and test the sockets with your phone charger.
- Look at the ceiling for water stains and the walls for cracks that follow a line.
- Ask where water comes from when the mains are off, and how long the tank lasts.
- Note the state of the paint, the doors and the locks. Photograph anything already damaged.
Before you pay
- Read the whole tenancy agreement. If a clause is not clear, ask for it to be reworded, not explained.
- Insist on a move-in inspection report signed by both sides, with photos. Your deposit depends on it at the end.
- Pay the deposit and first rent into the landlord's or agent's account and get a receipt. Cash with no receipt is money you may never see again.
Once you are in
Report repairs in writing (a message counts) and keep the thread. If the property is managed by us, use the tenant portal: every request is logged, dated and visible to the landlord, and you can see when it was closed.