How to Find Good Houses for Rent in Kampala Uganda – Insider Tips

Renting is an integral part of life for many people today. Statistics show that 71% of households in Kampala and its outskirts rent their homes. As a result, many residents are either entering or planning to enter the rental market.

Finding a good house for rent in Kira, Kawempe or Makindye, the largest residential area in Kampala, Uganda, can be quite challenging. Everyone seems to have a negative story to tell. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Drawing from the experiences of those who have successfully navigated this journey, we’ve prepared this account to guide you on how to find a comfortable and good apartment or house for rent in Kampala, ensuring a peaceful living environment regardless of your budget.

How to Find Good Houses for Rent in Kampala, Uganda
Finding a good house for rent in Kampala or its outskirts is easier with a good understanding of the process. Start by asking your peers about their experiences finding houses for rent, who they dealt with, and the house agents (called brokers) they recommend. This helps you get trusted referrals to reliable house brokers in Kampala. For instance, if you’re planning a move, consider the distance between Ntinda and Muyenga. Since they’re far apart, ask friends who have rented in Muyenga for recommendations on house brokers to avoid scams. Work with two or more brokers. They are often busy, and having multiple contacts gives you better chances of finding a place.

Once you have the broker’s contact, call them to arrange a meeting, discuss their fees, the number of properties they’ll show you, and their transportation method; be patient and give them time to find properties that match your criteria. It’s to your benefit that you don’t rush the process.

When you meet with the broker, preferably in a public place, ensure you have enough cash for the day and some extra in case of unexpected expenses, but not the rent money. Be ready to pay the broker; for individual brokers, pay half the agreed price upfront and the remaining half after finding a choice house. You might also need to cover their fuel expenses. Brokers stationed at their offices usually ask for full payment upfront… uhmm, not a good idea

Broker charges vary based on location and rent category. For instance, brokers may charge up to 22% of the monthly rent for properties below UGX 350,000, about UGX 77,000. For properties with rent above UGX 500,000, the fee may range between 16-18%, and for those above UGX 1.02 million, expect a 13-15% broker fee, especially in areas of Munyonyo, Kansanga, Kira, and Kajjansi.

Clear your schedule for the house-hunting day, as it can take a whole day. Ideally, you’ll find a place on the same day.

House Hunting Scams in Kampala! Reading signs… 
The agent should know the people at each house you visit, and equally, the people at the house should know the agent. Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, politely decline and move on. Otherwise, thoroughly inspect the house, checking door locks, network connectivity, accessibility, and other essential items.

If you’re satisfied and the rent fits your budget, pay the initial rent directly to the landlord, ensuring they are the owner or authorised representative. Carefully read the tenancy agreement before signing or making any payment.

Additional tips…
Besides internet speed, security, and proximity to amenities, consider other factors not covered in this article. Many find it beneficial to rent a place where the landlord or property manager doesn’t live on-site. Fewer units in the building often mean a quieter environment. Some even humorously suggest that the landlord’s gender could matter. The rest of the factors will depend on your budget.

Noticed we didn’t mention online house agents (brokers) from platforms like Jiji? That’s because most good houses for rent in Kampala barely stay vacant for a day due to high demand. Again, 71% of households are renting their homes. Looking for a house online is even crazier than physically contacting brokers whose numbers are pinned on electric poles. Most houses listed online are already long taken, and prices are often underquoted just to attract people into contacting them. Genda ku ground!

Don’t be a stranger, best of luck finding a comfortable place to stay in Kampala. And if this article hits home, join our WhatsApp channel for more.