FIWI ISSUE with AFFORABLE ACCOMMODATION!

In the past 15 years or more of living and working in Jamaica, I have found the single most difficult area has been finding suitable, affordable living spaces. Secure, accommodation especially for single persons is really hard to find.

Finding people who are honest and decent to share living spaces with is also very difficult. As you know wah we Seh in Jamaica - "See me an come live wid me a two different ting!"

I remember 10 years or so ago when I first came to Montego Bay for work. I couldn't find anywhere to rent at all. The Western Mirror would be published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Making calls at lunchtime to secure a place gave me limited time to relax. Then after working until 6pm most of the places advertised that were reasonable would be already gone.

I had a lot of bad experiences I even almost lost my job by taking too much time off to look for an apartment. If I tried to go out at lunchtime it was impossible to reach back on time.

Also when you do find a place it is very hard to find a Landlord that adheres to and understands fully their duties according to the Law under the Landlord & Tenant Act. 

The Rent Assessment Board provides very limited support especially to tenants outside of Kingston in rural Jamaica. You can call them for advice on the telephone. The team has been very helpful on a number of occasions when I needed advice. 

Still, I think more support needs to be provided in this essential area of Government.