Annoyances of renting

The legal creed used to read as such: « no one is supposed to ignore the law ». But in regard of the significant literacy rate and the low level of study, the principle has turned into the exception. Here are, therefore, some little advices to avoid annoyances, at least concerning renting.  

Following a correct scouting of the place but prior to signing the contract, do make sure that the individual pretending to be the owner actually is the owner, the individual legally entitled to rent the lodging and to receive the monthly rent. Doing so might spare anyone the forthcoming issues stemming from the withering of a fake owner with the guarantee or the first month’s rent, not only the next problems with the genuine owner. This precise case was observed not that long ago in a district around Behoririka. In any case, for the sake of prevention from such setbacks, tenants are increasingly (and this practice should at least get systematic) resorting to the written contract certified by public authorities (the « fokontany » most of the time, the basic state authority at the local level). 

Common ownership related problems are… common… in Madagascar. As long as the correct share of lodging is not completed between owning family members, renting such a place is potentially problematic. If they get along well, there is no problem. In the opposite case (which is so most of the time), the immediate owner in charge is attempted to sign unilateral contacts (sale, renting) concerning the property, contracts which will turn into issues to be all the way affecting the tenant or the purchaser in case of sale. 

In the end, a solid contract as such is paramount, be it only for the sake of showing evidences of good faith and fairness from both sides. It is the first line protection from potential issues, as well as the first legal exhibit to claim one’s rights, as tenants among other things.