In This Edition:
- 🛏️ The Tenant’s Journey: From First Interest to Post‑Vacancy
- ⭐ New Listings in Accra
🛏️ The Tenant’s Journey: From First Interest to Post‑Vacancy Under Ghana’s Rent Control Act, 1986
A great tenancy isn’t just about signing papers, it’s built on real connection between landlord and tenant. When both parties view each other as partners rather than adversaries, everyday challenges like a leaking pipe or a late rent reminder turns into simple conversations, not full-blown dramas.
Unfortunately, we’ve all heard stories where a lease that started smoothly spiraled into chaos and even crime simply because communication broke down. By keeping things friendly and fair from day one, you set the stage for on‑time payments, longer stays, and homes that feel truly cared for. After all, when both sides look out for each other, everyone wins
The Rent Act of 1963 is the primary legislation governing tenancy agreements in Ghana. It lays down clear rules to guide each stage of the tenant lifecycle, from initial property viewing through lease registration, occupancy, and finally, move‑out. Understanding these steps not only ensures compliance with the law but also fosters transparency and trust. Below is the breakdown of a typical tenant journey;
1. PROPERTY INQUIRY & PRE‑SCREENING
Client Interest: Prospective tenants contact a real estate broker or landlord to view a property.
Verification of Availability: Broker /Landlord confirms that the premises is available to lease.
2. NEGOTIATION & OFFER
Rent Determination: Parties discuss monthly rent, security deposit, and payment frequency.
Advance Payment Limits: The Act prohibits demanding more than six months’ rent in advance for leases exceeding six months, and more than one month for shorter tenancies
3. LEASE DRAFTING, REGISTRATION & RENT CARD ISSUANCE
Written Lease Agreement: Must include names, address, rent amount, payment schedule, duration, and covenants.
Lease Registration with Rent Control Dept.: Landlord must register every tenancy within 14 days of signing.
Issuance of Rent Card: Rent card issued to tenant within 14 days, detailing rent, duration, and landlord’s particulars.
4. MOVE‑IN INSPECTION & INVENTORY
Joint Inspection: Tenant and landlord (or broker) document the property’s condition including walls, flooring, fixtures, and appliances.
Inventory List: Attach signed inventory to the lease to avoid disputes over damages at move‑out.
5. OCCUPANCY & ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES
Rent Payment: Tenant pays rent on the agreed date. Late payment can only justify eviction after due process.
Maintenance: Landlord handles structural repairs; tenant addresses minor upkeep and reports issues promptly.
Quiet Enjoyment: Tenant entitled to peaceful occupation without undue interference.
6. RENEWAL OR TERMINATION NOTICE
Notice Periods:
Short‑term leases (<1 year): 1 month’s notice.
Longer leases (≥1 year): 3 months’ notice.
Rent Increase Notices: Must comply with statutory timelines, typically 6 months’ advance notice for annual leases.
7. MOVE‑OUT INSPECTION & DEPOSIT SETTLEMENT
Final Inspection: Compare current condition against the move‑in inventory.
Damage Deductions: Landlord may deduct costs for repairs beyond fair wear and tear.
Deposit Return: Balance must be refunded within 30 days of lease termination.
8. POST‑VACANCY ACTIONS
Vacancy Registration: Landlord updates Rent Control register to reflect the end of tenancy.
Property Re‑listing: Broker markets the unit, ensuring new lease registration and rent card issuance to the next tenant.
CONCLUSION
These steps grounded in the Rent Control Act, 1986 provide a clear roadmap for a fair, transparent rental experience. By prioritizing open dialogue, showing mutual respect, and tackling issues as they arise, landlords and tenants can turn move‑in, occupancy, and move‑out milestones into wins for everyone.
That said, real‑world challenges persist. Outdated rent ceilings set in 1986 often don’t match today’s market, leading some rentals into informal arrangements where legal protections vanish . Likewise, landlords will ask for 6–24 months’ rent upfront which is well beyond what the Act intendsAdditionally, under‑resourced Rent Control Committees can’t register every lease, and the Act hasn’t caught up to modern add‑ons like internet or metered utilities.
⭐ New Listings in Accra
Luxury 1-3 Bedroom Apartments for Rent at Cantonments, Accra
⭐ Experience high-class living in Accra’s prestigious Cantonments City Apartments. This fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment is designed for comfort and style, featuring:
- 💠 Fully fitted kitchen and dining area
- 💠 2 En-suite bathrooms plus guest washroom
- 💠 Private balcony offering breathtaking Cantonments City views
- 💠 Latest gadgets and sleek finishes throughout
- 💠 Swimming pool and many more
Price: $2,800 / Cedi equivalent (negotiable). Exclusive Service charge
Contact to Schedule a Viewing +233 54 540 1022
One-of-a-Kind Tower Homes for Sale at Cantonments Area
⭐ Looking for a home like no other? These stunning one, two and three-bedroom are up for sale in Cantonments.
Features:
- 🔹 Unique tower-style architecture – a rare find!
- 🔹 Exclusive interior with top-tier finishes
- 🔹 Custom-crafted wooden door – a statement piece
- 🔹 Perfect for minimalists, creatives, or as a dream retreat
1-bedroom – $189.950
2-bedroom – $350,000
3-bedroom – $597,400
Contact to Schedule a Viewing +233 54 540 1022
