Expatriate Guide to Finding Tanzania Housing
Expatriate Guide to Finding Tanzania Housing
Tanzania, and in particular Dar es Salaam, is a highly sought after posting for expatriates. There are few international postings in Africa that offer comparable levels of natural beauty, family friendly environment, safety, stability and community. However, finding a place to live can be a challenge. Unlike what most people are accustomed to in their home countries, most Tanzania rental agreements require payment of the first year's rent in advance. This creates a challenge for the renter because once the rent is paid, they no longer have any leverage with the landlord. While Tanzania has many excellent landlords that take good care of their tenants, there are also landlords who are less responsive to the needs of tenants. Follow the tips below and avoid some of the more common mistakes and ensure your relocation to a new home in Tanzania is as comfortable and hassle free.
Tip: If you want a living situation where repairs and maintenance are a minimal concern, consider one of the many new apartments in Dar es Salaam and Tanzania, or a look into a compound living environment. Generally, these are well maintained and require minimal maintenance or upkeep by the tenant. Many apartments and housing compounds in Tanzania provide shared amenities such as a swimming pool or a gym.
Tip: Check to ensure that everything is working properly, particularly if you are considering a single family detached style home. There are many wonderful Tanzania houses for rent with spacious gardens, ocean views and close proximity to amenities, but you should be aware that basic maintenance is normally the responsibility of the tenant.
Make sure the electricity and water supply is turned on, and check that all faucets, lights and outlets are working properly.
If the house comes with a generator, make sure it is working properly. Different size houses require different sized generators, so be sure the generator is adequate for the house. As a general rule, a 20 KVA generator is usually sufficient for most three or four bedroom single family homes in Tanzania. To test whether the generator is large enough for the house, have the generator turned on and make sure the transfer switch is positioned to route generator power to the house. Then, turn on enough lights and AC units to approximate a realistically busy night in the house. If the lights dim or flicker significantly, then the generator may not be large enough for the house.
Check that mosquito screening is tight and free of holes.
Make sure that door locks and security lighting are working properly.
Tip: Kitchen and laundry appliances are not always provided in rental properties. While this may sound problematic, you shouldn't let it stop you from pursuing a property that you feel is idea for you and your family.
Check with your employer to see if they will reimburse you the cost of the appliances. This is not an uncommon practice in Tanzania, and many companies and NGOs will reimburse you for necessary appliance purchases.
If your company will not reimburse you the cost for the appliances, try to negotiate it with your future landlord. Often times the landlord will agree to reduce the first year's rent payment by the cost of the appliances. The appliances become the property of the landlord, but they do not have to pay for them out of pocket.
Tip: Contact one of the many Tanzania real estate agents that assist expatriates with their housing and relocation needs.
A good agent will be responsive to your needs and respectful of the boundaries you put on your search.
Tanzania Real estate agents in Tanzania can also be an excellent source of local information such as traffic patterns, shopping facilities, pre-schools, daycare, and private or international secondary schools.
Tip: Make sure that maintenance and upkeep responsibilities are clearly defined in the lease agreement.
It's best to ask the landlord to define his/her maintenance and upkeep responsibility in the lease, and then review what they provide for to determine if you find that acceptable.
It is difficult to say what the norm is, because arrangements can vary greatly from house to house and landlord to landlord.
One good rule of thumb is to separate "essential systems" from routine maintenance. The landlord should always accept responsibility for essential systems such as the water supply and electric supply. Repairs and maintenance to these systems often require the involvement of local utilities companies, which can become a whole separate issue for you and should be avoided if possible. The generator and structural integrity of the house should also be the landlord's responsibility.
Tip: Make sure anything you have negotiated with the landlord is accurately reflected in the lease before signing.
Paying the first year's rent upfront is a significant transaction. There are many law firms in Tanzania, and it is always a good idea to obtain the opinion local legal counsel for any significant contract.
Tip: Try not to pay the full first year's rent until all pre-conditions of the lease such as repairs or installations are met.
Withholding an agreed upon percentage of the rent payment until promised pre-conditions are met is both reasonable and professional.
Tip: If you think you will be here for a while, consider temporary housing until you find the ideal home for your family.
Although the market struggles to keep up with growing demand for upscale Tanzania housing, new properties become available on a regular basis. Keep a close eye on real estate listings and be prepared to move quickly when you find the Tanzania home that is a perfect fit for your needs.
Tanzania is a great posting for expatriate employees, and the home you choose to live in during your stay plays an important role in your Tanzania living experience. Pay attention to the tips above, but keep in mind that every house and every landlord is different. To the extent possible you should take your time, visit lots of properties and get to know the neighborhoods before making your final decision.
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