This week's Capital Society cover looks into the issue of house rental issues landlords. The question reminds us of the common phrase ‘Home is where the heart belongs'. Our readers have sent the following views . ..enjoy the samplings

  “I have come across a landlord who has told me to leave the house after he found some one who can pay more than I do. I was left with no choice except to leave. At times they don't consider the cost that we are going to spend (while we transport our house holds and the like).

Amha, Shop keeper

“The house rental problem is immense especially for a family man like me. The landlords say consumption of water, light etc increase if one is a family man.”

Meliku, Driver

“Renting a house has been a big problem for me. They turn the lights off after 10 Pm. I am allowed to have only 2 bucket of water. To have more I have to pay.”

Beharu, Accountant

“Some landlords make you feel like home and they are very hospitable. Even if you don't pay the rent on time, they understand your situation and let it pass for the next time.”

Desta, Contractor

“I have not faced much difficulty with house lords. May be it's my luck! I used to be a chain smoker at one time in my life. The house lord used to advise me like I am his son. Thanks to him I have quit smoking. I used to consider the house as mine and take due care. I have my own house now but I still keep in touch with him especially on holidays.”

Abera, Garage worker

“In order to tackle with the current economic situation in the country, the house lord has to increase the rent. So the payment varies constantly. Having a place to stay is a must. So if you can't afford the rent increase, you are forced to rent a small room which cannot accommodate all your furniture. Since the furniture is crowded most of the time gets damaged.”

Tizeta, Banker

“The reason why I am not married is the fear of not finding a place to stay. I have lived as a bachelor for almost 6 years and I know the hardship.”

Tekel, Carpenter

From landlords to house lords

By Mahider Kebede

House rents are increasing rapidly especially around colleges, universities, and working areas. This has effects on the life of individuals especially concerning marriage . It is clear that people wouldn't want to get married in a rented house. It is also very clear it isn't easy to build house with the rising price of construction.

Many youngsters are discouraged to go out and live life on their own because of the house rental problem. Most house rents are made by verbal agreement rather than contracts, so the house lord might just come to your doorstep and tell you to leave in 3 days.

It is noted that most land lords require a person to be single or married with out children and they are also seen trying to limit the number of friends coming to the house. There is also a deadline for knocking or entering the house. A friend of mine once told me his house lord doesn't allow him to stay up late. “One's rights are limited even if he/she is paying their money”, says Brook who rented a house and lives alone.

The other side issue would be the love affairs that usually happen between young daughters of the house lords and male house renters say Kassahun who works as a broker around Sar Bet area. “Most house lords aren't willing to rent houses to young men if they have adolescentdaughters. ” said Kassahun. According to him it is hard to tell the behavior of a person, “but house lords ask you about it” added Kassahun. As Ethiopians say ‘Sew mawek kebad new' meaning (it is difficult to know a person), it isn't easy to figure out the behavior of people and live with them either. The best way to solve problems among each other might be setting rules and discussing them fairly, as we are Ethiopian we should also think of the best culture we have Tolerance.