KEY STEPS TO HASSLE FREE RENTAL EXPERIENCE IN GHANA

By the silent guardian

 

1. CONSIDER THE LOCATION


The number one thing to consider before renting in Ghana is the location. Do a little research about the location. Consider its proximity to important areas like hospitals, banks, etc. Decide how close the area must be to a main road or any good access road. Factor the cost of transportation to the place and its surrounding areas. Most good locations come with a price in Ghana. The location can also be based on the distance to your office or any other considerable reason, but it must always be an advantage to you.

location

2. CHECK THE CRIME RATE OF THE AREA

Crime can be committed anywhere but if you are choosing a place to reside, it will be good to look into the frequency, pattern, and nature of crime within the area. Most crowded and overpopulated areas come with high crime rates, whereas there are some underpopulated areas also with high crime rates. Ask about the crime rate and gravity of crimes at a location before deciding to settle there. This can prevent unwanted complications and ensure a peaceful stay at a location. 

Ghetto crimes in Ghana

source: Author of the post

3. REVIEW THE ENVIRONMENT

Get to know the flooding situation of the location. Ask and look for clues. The geographic situation alone can prompt you if the location is flood-prone or not. You can also visit the location after rainfall to see for yourself how the area looks like. Look for signs of erosion around the house or on the walls of the house or houses close to your chosen location. The grass around can also be informative for you to know if the area is waterlogged as some plants only grow in such areas. Below is an indication of a wall of a room in Ghana.

The wall of a room indicating possible waterlog problem
A wall indicating a possible waterlog land
source: Author of the post


A wall indicating a possible waterlog land
A wall indicating a possible waterlog land
source: Author of the post

This condition is common in most parts of Accra, especially the shores and lowlands. Another important matter is the cleanliness of the environment, is it clean? Are there health-threatening gutters? How good is the drainage system? 

a filthy gutter
A life and health-threatening gutter in Accra
source: https://www.tudelft.nl

4. CONSIDER SAFETY

Take note of safety issues aside from security. Is the house too close to the road? Is the house too close to a high-tension cable or transformer? Is the house too close to a public sanitary facility(public toilet)? How is the electrical wiring of the house or room? Most houses and rooms in Ghana are noted for failing to use the standard certified electrical wiring cables and some do not even have earthing cables. These are important checks that must be validated when renting.

Transformers can be close to some houses in Ghana
A transformer close to a house 
 source: Author of the post


5. TYPE AND CONDITION OF THE HOUSE, APARTMENT, OR ROOM

Decide on the type of room you want to rent. Be it an apartment or a house. Visit the property to confirm that the condition of the building meets your expectations. This will be per your financial planning. Each type of room design has its advantages and disadvantages.

compound house
A compound house or an apartment
source: Author of the post

6. YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Visit the premises at least twice, or ask questions to get to know your neighbors. A dangerous, unsettling neighbor can make life miserable especially if you are in the wrong hood. Neighbors can determine how long you may want to stay in a house or an apartment. These can range from noise to security issues. It is good and advisable to know your neighbors a little before settling in a location. While some neighbors are disciplined and keep to themselves, most can be rude and lack respect for anyone. The safety of your stay may also rely on your neighbors.

Dangerous Ghanaian Neighbourhood source: Author of the post

7. NOISE 

While the estates and residential areas in Ghana observe and respect noise control regulations, most parts of the country do not. This is a serious issue to note when planning to rent. Avoid renting in badly planned communities where noise can be a problem. Watch out for churches, schools, and drinking spots when renting in Ghana, if you are sensitive to noise. 

Noise from pubs and churches in Ghana
A pub
source: Author of the post

8. LANDLORD OR LANDLADY? 

Optional, but necessary to make some quick inquiries about the owner of the property. From experience, some landladies can be very troublesome, mean, and full of hate. It's as simple as that without any reason, especially if she stays on the premises. It is important to investigate a little about the attitude of the owner before going forward. Some Landlords can be very difficult to deal with yet they seem to be considerate compared to most landladies in Ghana. Consider the residence of the property owner before making a final decision. 

9. TENANCY AGREEMENT RULES

Read to understand the provided tenancy agreement carefully before signing. Some laws can be funny especially if the house is shared or gated. Make sure you understand the laws concerning the property well before considering renting or finalizing a rent agreement. 

10. AVAILABILITY OF UTILITIES

Last but not least, be vigilant on issues of water and electricity. Go for houses, apartments, or rooms that have single dedicated meters. Sharing utility bills is the first hurdle to a peaceful stay on a property. It has led to serious problems including but not limited to quarrels, assault, etc. Always insist on getting an abode that has a dedicated electric meter. Also, consider accessibility to potable water. 

electric digital meter
Electric Digital Meter
source: Author of the post


Once you consider and look into all these properly, you are good to go. These points are the major factors you need to consider, and understand when planning to rent in Ghana. Other issues may include choosing a good property agent, avoiding scams, etc. The most important of all is to be diligent when seeking to rent in Ghana neither for the short or long term.



 

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