DO THIS BEFORE RENTING IN GHANA

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1. CONSIDER THE LOCATION


The number one thing to consider before renting is Ghana is the location. Make 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 of an advantage to you.

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 very good to take a look into the frequency, pattern and nature of crime within the area. Most crowded and over populated areas come with high crime rate whereas there are some under populated areas also with high crime rate. Ask about the crime rate and gravity of crimes with respect to a location before deciding to settle there. This can prevent a lot unwanted complications and ensure a peaceful stay within a location. 

Ghetto crimes in Ghana

source: AI generated

3. REVIEW THE ENVIRONMENT

Get to know of 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 a an indication of on a wall of a room in Ghana.

The wall of a room indicating possible waterlog problem
A wall indicating a possible waterlog land
source: personal photo file

A wall indicating a possible waterlog land
A wall indicating a possible waterlog land
source: personal photo file

This condition is very 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 life and health threatening gutter in Accra
source: https://www.tudelft.nl

4. CONSIDER SAFETY

Take note of safety issues aside 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 room 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: AI generated

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

Make up your mind on the type of room you want. Be it an apartment or a house. Visit to confirm that the condition of the building meets your expectation. This will also be in accordance to your financial planning. Each type of room design has its own advantage and disadvantage.

A compound house or an apartment
 source: AI generated

6. YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Visit the premises at least twice or ask questions to get to know your neighbours. A dangerous, unsettling neighbour can make life miserable especially if you are in the wrong hood. Neighbours 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 neighbours a little before settling in a location. While some neighbours 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 neighbours.

Dangerous Ghanaian Neighbourhood source: AI generated

7. NOISE 

While the estates and serious residential areas in Ghana observe and respect noise control regulations, most other parts of the country do not. This is a very 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 about to rent in Ghana, if you are sensitive to noise. 

Noise from pubs and churches in Ghana
A pub
source: AI generated

8. LANDLORD OR LANDLADY? 

Optional but necessary to make some quick enquiries 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 when it happens that she stays on the premises. It can be advisable to investigate a little about the character of the owner before going forward. Some landlords can also be very difficult to deal with yet they seem to be a little more considerate compared to most landladies in Ghana. Reflect on the residence of the property owner before taking a final decision. 

9. TENANCY AGREEMENT RULES

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

10. AVAILABILITY OF UTILITIES

Last but not the least, be vigilant on issues of water and electricity. Go for houses, apartment or rooms that have single dedicated meters. Sharing of of utility bills is the first hurdle to a peaceful stay in 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 portable water. 

electric digital meter
Electric Digital Meter
source: AI generated

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 undertake 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 either for a short or long term.

Author: "the cure" 

 

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