Rent and Housing Laws

In Ghana, the tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord (property owner) and a tenant (renter), whether written or verbal. It outlines:

• Your right to occupy the property
• Your landlord’s right to receive rent
• The responsibilities of both parties

📝 What Makes Up a Tenancy Agreement?

Your tenancy agreement may include:

1. Express Terms:
   • Written in the agreement (if one exists)
   • Agreed verbally between you and your landlord
   • Noted in a rent receipt or rent book
2. Implied Terms:
   • The tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the property
   • The landlord’s duty to maintain the property in good condition
   • Reasonable notice before eviction

🛑 Note: A landlord cannot override your legal rights, even if the tenancy agreement says otherwise.

📄 Do You Need a Written Tenancy Agreement?

Under Ghanaian practice, written tenancy agreements are highly recommended but not always provided. However, they are strongly advised to:

• Avoid disputes
• Show proof of agreed rent, duration, and responsibilities

If your landlord does not provide a written agreement, you should:

• Ask for one
• Keep receipts of all rent payments
• Record any verbal terms (dates, discussions)

🕵️‍♀️ When Looking for a Property to Rent

Before renting, think about:

• ✅ Renting from a Landlord
  • May be more flexible
  • Less documentation may be required
  • Good for personal/family homes
• ✅ Renting via a Property Agent
  • Agents may manage repairs and inspections
  • They may require extra fees and references
  • Some agents are not registered — ask for proof of licence

🔎 Tips for Finding a Home in Ghana

• Use credible websites, agents or social media platforms
• Ask friends, family, or co-workers for recommendations
• Visit the property in person before paying anything
• Check that the person renting to you is the rightful owner or has written authority

🛑 Never pay to rent from another tenant (called subletting) unless you have written permission from the landlord.

📈 Can Your Landlord Increase Your Rent?

Yes — but there are rules under Ghana’s Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) and Rent Control Law.

Your landlord must:

• Give at least 30 days’ written notice of any rent increase
• Charge only approved rent if the property is registered with Rent Control

If the rent increase seems unfair, you can:

• Negotiate with the landlord
• File a complaint with the Rent Control Department
• Ask Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC) for help

❌ What Landlords Cannot Do

• Evict you without a court order (unless for agreed breaches)
• Increase rent without notice or within the first 2 years of the agreement (unless agreed otherwise)
• Harass you, lock you out, or seize your belongings

If this happens, report to Rent Control or contact CAC.

🧾 Sample Questions to Ask Before Renting

• Who owns the property?
• Is there a written agreement?
• What does the rent include — water, waste, service charges?
• When can rent be increased?
• Are repairs the landlord’s responsibility?

📞 Need Help With Your Tenancy?

Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC Ghana) offers free and confidential advice on tenancy issues.

• Understanding your rights as a tenant or landlord
• Drafting tenancy agreements
• Handling rent increases or disputes
• Filing a complaint with Rent Control

s: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Buying land or a house in Ghana is a major investment. However, land disputes, fraud, and poor documentation are common. It’s critical to do the right checks before paying for any property.

🔎 How to Find a Property

• Real estate agents
• Online platforms (Tonaton, Meqasa, Jiji, etc.)
• Newspapers & community boards
• Estate developers (e.g. Regimanuel, Devtraco)
• Family or local referrals – be cautious, and verify all claims

🏠 Tip: Always visit the property in person and speak to locals around the land before showing interest.

✅ Key Things to Look Out for Before Buying Land or Property

1. Ownership Verification

• Land Title Certificate or Indenture
• Valid site plan (survey map)
• Stool/Family land release letter (if applicable)
• Deed of assignment (for resale properties)

🛑 Be wary of:

• Multiple sellers for one plot
• Vague family or stool claims
• Properties "not yet regularised"

2. Conduct a Search at the Lands Commission

This will tell you:

• Who truly owns the land
• Whether it’s under litigation
• If it's government land or already sold

You can do:

• Title search (if land is titled)
• Deed search (if it's a lease or indenture)

⚖️ Steps in the Legal Work of Buying Land or Property

• Hire a lawyer (Do this before paying anything)
• Vet documents, conduct searches, draft agreements
• Search at Lands Commission, Traditional Council, Court Registry
• Sign Sales Agreement (include price, payment, ID copies, GPS)
• Transfer Ownership: Title Certificate or Lease registration
• Pay stamp duty at GRA
• Register property at Lands Commission

Registration can take several months to a year — follow up.

• Check zoning (residential/commercial)
• Visit Town & Country Planning Department
• Apply for a building permit
• Confirm no encroachment on water bodies, reserved areas, or roads

💰 Financial & Tax Tips

• Budget for legal fees, search fees, stamp duty (1%)
• Consider mortgage/home financing (e.g. Republic Bank, GHL Bank)
• Pay via bank transfers
• Keep receipts, maps, and contracts

🛡️ Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Don’t pay without legal advice and verification
• Don’t rely on verbal agreements
• Beware of "caretakers" or unauthorized family members
• Avoid "buy now, regularise later" unless from verified developer

📞 Need Help?

Citizens AdviceGeek Centre (CAC Ghana) offers free guidance and legal support when buying property, especially for:

• First-time buyers
• Diaspora investors
• Low-income families

We can help with:

• Reviewing land documents
• Helping you run a land search
• Referring you to qualified lawyers and surveyors
• Reporting land fraud or scams