What Landlords Don’t Tell You About Rent

Renting a home should be a straightforward process, but for many tenants in Ghana, it often turns into a stressful experience. While landlords may appear transparent at first, there are several important details they rarely explain clearly before you pay your advance rent. Understanding these hidden truths can save you money, stress, and legal trouble.

1. Advance Rent Is Often Negotiable

Many tenants believe paying one or two years’ advance rent is mandatory. In reality, Ghana’s Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) allows only six months’ advance for residential properties. However, due to housing shortages, landlords often demand more—without telling tenants they have the right to negotiate or report violations.

2. Hidden Charges Add Up Quickly

Beyond rent, tenants are sometimes surprised by extra costs such as:

• Water and electricity deposits
• Property maintenance fees
• Waste collection charges
• Agent or caretaker fees

These costs are rarely mentioned upfront and can significantly increase your monthly expenses.

3. Maintenance Responsibilities Are Often Unclear

Landlords may promise to fix faults, but once you move in, responsibilities become blurred. Tenants are sometimes forced to pay for repairs that should legally be handled by the landlord, especially structural or plumbing issues.

4. Verbal Agreements Can Work Against You

Some landlords rely heavily on verbal promises rather than written tenancy agreements. Without proper documentation, tenants may struggle to enforce agreed terms, especially regarding rent increments, maintenance, or eviction notices.

5. Rent Increments Can Happen Suddenly

Many landlords fail to disclose how and when rent increases will occur. Without a clear clause in your tenancy agreement, landlords may raise rent with little notice, putting tenants under financial pressure.

6. Your Rights Are Rarely Explained

Most landlords do not educate tenants on their legal rights, including:

• Proper notice before eviction
• Receipts for rent payments
• Fair treatment under the Rent Control Department

This lack of information leaves tenants vulnerable to exploitation.

7. Agents May Not Be Neutral

Property agents often work primarily in the landlord’s interest. Some collect illegal commissions or misrepresent property conditions to close deals quickly. Always ask for transparency and receipts for any fees paid.

Final Thoughts

Renting doesn’t have to be a nightmare. As a tenant, knowledge is your strongest protection. Always insist on a written tenancy agreement, verify property ownership, understand your rights under the law, and ask questions before making any payment.

Platforms like Ghana Rent Link are helping bring transparency to the rental market by connecting verified landlords, agents, and tenants—making renting safer and stress-free for everyone.