Most people who live in rented houses dread the last day of the month being that that is an indicator the landlord may come knocking at any time.

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Tenants who deal with agents knows too well what end month means.

They normally give a grace period of up to 5 days and on the 6th day onwards; a fine of Kshs 500 is imposed. Should you not pay the house rent by the 10th day of the following month, the agent, armed with some ‘goons’ come to your door.

However, you can still escape paying rent for a while.

1) Being the landlords Mpango wa Kando (MWK)

This is bound to work for you for a while as the owner will not dare bother his ‘Mpango wa Kando’ (MWK). Instead, he will go ahead and ensure that his MWK is comfortable by shopping for her and taking care of her needs. Woe unto you if the landlord’s wife has a spy in the plot for that is when you will know the wrath of a woman scorned.

2) Shifting at night

This is the most popular method used by most tenants. In order to avoid paying rent, most tenants shift at night without their neighbor’s knowledge. In order to avoid the commotion of shifting at once, they ensure that their house is not fully furnished so that it is easier for them to move. They also ensure that they are not too close to the neighbors and that their children do not be friend the neighbors children as not to be found out. However, as it is, a thief’s days are numbered.

3) Going to the rent tribunal and claiming that the rent paid is too much

If anyone chooses to use this idea as an option, he /she has to convince other tenants of the same so that they can complain to the Rent tribunal as a group. This will make the case more stronger, and if one is lucky, the rent tribunal will take up the case and estimate how much rent should be paid per house hold after doing their evaluation. This will buy the tenant more time as the rent will only be submitted after the issue is sorted.

However, one has to has to exercise caution when using this options as there are a lot of risks involved.

As end month draws near, most tenants become worried as it is time to pay rent. However, there are ways to avoid paying rent if you live in a rented house)