Question 1

How long can I lease for?

Accepted Answer

By the month or by the week. A monthly lease runs date to date. 1 March to 1 April is one month, whether that is 28, 30 or 31 nights, and you pay one monthly rate for it either way. A month works out cheaper per night than a week.

Question 2

How do I reserve an apartment?

Accepted Answer

Choose your term and move-in date on Book an Apartment to see live availability, pick an apartment, and send your details. Asking costs nothing. We confirm, then you sign the lease before moving in.

Question 3

Can I cancel before I move in?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tell us in writing before the start date. If you have already paid a booking deposit, reservation fee or advance rent, it is refunded less the cancellation fee set out in your agreement, and the balance is paid back to you within the number of business days your agreement states. Cancelling only applies before you take possession.

Question 4

What if I need to leave early?

Accepted Answer

Once you have moved in, give us written notice. You stay responsible for rent up to the effective termination date and vacate on that date. There is no early-termination fee.

Question 5

Can someone else take over my lease?

Accepted Answer

Not without our written consent. You may not assign the lease or sublet the apartment on your own; where we do consent, you give us the sub-tenant's name and address within five days and stay responsible for the agreement.

Question 6

Do I need an account to book?

Accepted Answer

No. You can sign in to keep your details and see your bookings in one place, but it is never required.

Question 7

What happens when I move in?

Accepted Answer

We walk the apartment together and both sign a move-in inspection checklist, which is attached to your lease. That record is what any deposit deduction is measured against later, so it is worth going through carefully.

Question 8

How many keys do I get?

Accepted Answer

The number of key sets is written into your agreement. A replacement fee applies to lost or unreturned keys and access devices, and everything is returned to us at the end of the tenancy.

Question 9

Can you come into the apartment while I live there?

Accepted Answer

Only with at least twenty-four hours notice, and only for inspection, repairs, maintenance, improvements, pest control, or to show the apartment to a prospective tenant, buyer or contractor. The exception is a genuine emergency involving immediate risk to people or property.

Question 10

When do I get my deposit back?

Accepted Answer

Within fourteen business days of you vacating and returning all keys and access devices, less any lawful deductions. If we deduct anything, you get a written itemised statement setting out each item.

Question 11

What comes with the apartment?

Accepted Answer

The apartment is furnished, with a full kitchen and its appliances. Individual apartment types list their own features on the Apartments page: bedrooms, bathrooms, size and amenities.

Question 12

Which utilities are included?

Accepted Answer

We provide and pay for water and waste collection/cleaning services. You arrange and pay for electricity, internet and gas. We also supply one roll of toilet paper when you move in; after that it is over to you.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One parking space is included with the apartment at no additional charge, and the space number is recorded on your lease.

Question 14

Can I use the rooftop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and there is no charge for it. Rooftop use is booked in advance and confirmed, and you are responsible for any damage, mess or disturbance caused during your booking.

Question 15

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within the limits recorded on your lease. The number and type of pets are written in, and you remain responsible for any harm or damage a pet causes.

Question 16

Can I have guests to stay?

Accepted Answer

Of course. A guest who stays beyond the consecutive nights, or the total nights in a calendar month, set out in your lease counts as an occupant and needs to be added by amendment.

Question 17

Who handles repairs?

Accepted Answer

We do, for plumbing, electrical faults and the appliances provided with the apartment. Tell us in writing or verbally and we respond within a reasonable time, and as soon as reasonably possible in an emergency. Day-to-day cleanliness and good order are yours.

Question 18

Can I run a business from the apartment?

Accepted Answer

No. The apartment is let for residential use as a private dwelling only, not for any business, profession or trade.

Question 19

Can I redecorate or install something?

Accepted Answer

Not without our prior written consent. Where we do agree, any alteration or fixture becomes part of the apartment and stays at the end of the tenancy, unless we have agreed otherwise in writing.

Question 20

How is rent paid?

Accepted Answer

By bank transfer, to the USD or RWF account named on your lease. Keep the deposit slip or transaction reference for every payment you make. That proof is what settles any question later.

Question 21

When is rent due, and what if I am late?

Accepted Answer

On the due date set out in your lease. If rent is not paid within the number of days your agreement allows, it is past due and the late fee written into that agreement applies for each day or occurrence it stays late.

Question 22

Will the rent go up during my lease?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no rent increases during the term. If the lease renews automatically month to month, we may increase the rent for the renewal period by giving you written notice first.

Question 23

What can be taken out of my deposit?

Accepted Answer

Unpaid or accelerated rent, late charges, unpaid utilities, repair costs beyond normal wear and tear, pet violation charges, replacing unreturned keys, removing unauthorised locks or fixtures, storing abandoned property, removing illegally parked vehicles, the cost of reletting if you default, and legal costs. Anything deducted is itemised in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Leasing

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The Apartment

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