Signing a Lease in Mozambique: Your Essential Checklist 

Before Signing a Lease in Mozambique: Your Essential Checklist

Renting accommodation in Mozambique, particularly in major cities like Maputo, can be challenging due to a shortage of high-quality, long-term housing that meets developed-nation standards for luxury and utilities. The market is often unregulated, and legal protections for tenants are very limited.

To ensure you secure a safe and legally sound agreement, meticulous preparation and due diligence are crucial. Here is your checklist of essential steps to take before committing to a lease in Mozambique.

I. Legal and Language Verification

Because Mozambique has very few laws protecting tenants, securing a clear, detailed, and legally sound contract is the most critical step.

☐ Insist on a Written Contract: While the majority of tenants in peri-central areas rely on informal, verbal rental agreements (as high as 72% in Maputo), these informal agreements provide ** no legal protections** in the event of a dispute or contract breach. Formal contracts are more common in high-end districts.

☐ Translate and Understand the Lease: Most leases will be written entirely in Portuguese. You must enlist the help of a bilingual friend or professional translator to ensure you know exactly what you are signing.

☐ Notarize the Signatures: Whenever possible, ensure the contract is signed in two copies and that the signatures are recognized by a notary (a notário).

☐ Confirm Contract Registration: If the rental agreement is for any period greater than six months, it must be registered at the Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial).

☐ Clarify Termination Procedures: Negotiate and clearly stipulate the conditions for terminating the lease before the end of the term, including the required written notice period (typically 30 days unless otherwise specified). Know what happens upon lease expiration.

II. Financial Commitments and Payments

Mozambican rental custom includes significant upfront payments and specific tax responsibilities that must be clearly outlined.

☐ Verify the Deposit Amount: Confirm the amount and payment method for the security deposit, which can range from one to three months of rent. In expat areas, paying a three-month deposit that includes your first month's rent is standard practice.

☐ Document Deposit Return Conditions: Be meticulous about what conditions allow the landlord to withhold your deposit. Deposits should be returned in full if the property is not damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Be aware that the return of the down payment may be slow.

☐ Understand Advance Rent Requirements: Note that landlords typically require one month's rent in advance, though some may require three months upfront to cushion against potential arrears or defaults. Rent is usually paid monthly in advance (e.g., between the 1st and 5th of each month).

☐ Clarify Penalties for Late Rent: Determine the specific number of days you have before your monthly payment is officially considered late and subject to penalties.

☐ Be Aware of VAT Liability: The rental of real property is treated as a "provision of services" subject to VAT at the rate of 17%. While many people illegally skip this, it is technically required by law.

III. Property Condition and Utilities

High-quality housing is scarce in Mozambique, and utilities are often inconsistent. Careful inspection is vital.

☐ Inspect Property Condition and Features: During your visit, check the quality of the infrastructure, specifically looking at window screens and front door locks. Note any outstanding bills with local service providers.

☐ Take an Inventory and Photographs: Take a detailed inventory of the property (especially if furnished) and include photographs upon moving in to prevent potential disputes when the lease ends.

☐ Negotiate Maintenance and Repairs: Clarify who is responsible for different kinds of maintenance costs. It is sometimes possible to negotiate with the landlord to carry out necessary construction work or refurbishments before you move in, potentially with a reduction in rent to offset the costs. The landlord is legally obligated to provide a dwelling that meets basic safety and health standards and maintain the property in a habitable condition.

☐ Confirm Utility Inclusion: For long-term leases, utilities are usually NOT included in the price of rent. Be sure to budget separately for electricity, water, internet, and gas.

☐ Assess Power and Water Reliability:

• Electricity: The national grid supply can be inconsistent, and power cuts are frequent. Many expats rely on gas for cooking because it is more reliable than electricity.
• Water Safety: Confirm the water source. Note that tap water in Mozambique is generally not safe to drink, and you should plan to boil, filter, or purchase prepared drinking water.

IV. Obligations, Access, and Immigration Documentation

Ensure the contract protects your rights to privacy and provides necessary documentation for your legal stay.

☐ Define Landlord Access/Inspections: Landlords must respect the tenant's right to privacy. The contract should stipulate how much notice the landlord must give if they want to enter or inspect the property.

☐ Confirm Occupancy Limits: Check for occupancy restrictions detailed in the contract, including limits on adults, children, pets, or subletting.

☐ Obtain Necessary Immigration Documentation: A lease or rental contract is crucial documentation required for several steps of your legal immigration process, including:

• As proof of accommodation for obtaining a Residence Visa.
• As proof of accommodation for Permanent Residence Permits.
• As necessary evidence for obtaining the "Boletim Individual de Alojamento" (Individual Certificate of Housing) from Senami, which is required for a first-time DIRE (Residency Permit) application.

Recommendation:

Given that Maputo's expat rental market is competitive and high in demand, you must act quickly once you find a property you like. It is also highly advisable to visit the property in person before signing a lease.