Harare — Zimbabwe Tenants and Lodgers Association (ZTLA) said on Tuesday most tenants were paying rentals in foreign currency as they were not aware of the illegality of the practice.

Association chairman Nelson Mandizvidza told New Ziana that the ZTLA had since set up an advisory board to assist tenants and landlords who will have disputes over rentals.

He could only say many cases had been resolved without being specific, adding that tenants did not report such cases as they were not aware of their rights. "At least one quarter of landlords in Zimbabwe are charging foreign currency while three quarters are converting into local currency and asking for groceries, mainly basic commodities," he said. Regulations are clear that charging rentals in hard currency is not allowed in Zimbabwe as only the local currency is considered legal tender. Mr Mandizvidza said the ZTLA intended to carry out educational campaigns to make both tenants and landlords aware of their contractual rights.

He said tenants should sign a lease agreement, which should last for six months after which rentals would be reviewed. Rental laws allow for rental increases of not more than 30 percent of the gazetted price. Landlords are hiking rentals almost on a monthly basis owing to the hyper inflationary environment. Most tenants are, however, grappling to pay the rentals.

Mr Mandizvidza said only the government is allowed to regulate the rentals. Landlords are charging rentals of between 100 Rands per room in high density areas and US$200 for cottages in medium and low density suburbs as well as in the Avenues.-- New Ziana.