Mr Brian Chitsungo, a tenant in Northend (Bulawayo) has been forcefully taken to court for reportedly refusing to pay rentals for over a year and also refusing to vacate the premises.
The issue is still under trial but according to the homeowner’s relatives who manage the property, Mr Chitsungo does not have a healthy relationship with the owners of the property. He refused to abide by an eviction notice issued to him and responds with harsh words when pressured to pay his rentals.
An incident is related by the manager of the property where the roof had leaks and Mr Chitsungo reported it. a person was sent to repair the damage but might have been delayed arriving. Mr Chitsungo then repaired the damage and then issued the property owner the receipt.
Mr Chitsungo is noted to have last paid rentals in November 2020. He challenged the property owner to take him to the courts and he has also proceeded to sublet the property. Mr Chitsungo commented about the allegations to the Sunday Mail and denies ever refusing to vacate the property. He said he has stayed in the house for 10 years.
Mr Chitsungo said the problem started when his property was damaged by water because of leaks. He said the property owners refused to pay him back for the damage and so he does not owe them anything. He also denied receiving notice from the property owner.
This is a common challenge among people who lease their properties directly to tenants without intervention from professional agencies. Over time both parties tend to operate without paperwork and leases are not renewed. It then becomes difficult for either party to claim fair treatment should any issues arise because nothing is clearly documented or signed for.