The Unspoken Tensions Between Landlords and Tenants in Ghana

Living in Ghana, whether as a tenant or a landlord, can come with its own set of challenges. These two parties are often at odds, each with their own set of expectations and frustrations. When things go wrong, the relationship between them can become strained, and the entire experience can quickly turn sour for both. Let’s dive into some of the common issues tenants and landlords face in Ghana, highlighting where each side may be at fault.

The Landlord’s Perspective

Landlords are business owners, and they treat their rental properties as a source of income. However, many landlords in Ghana have a tendency to take the term “landlord” a little too seriously. They often forget that tenants are also human beings, living in their property, and their needs should be respected.

One common complaint tenants face is landlords who visit the property too often. Imagine this: you sign a contract, settle into your new home, and after only a few months, the landlord visits your apartment multiple times, sometimes even three or more times in six months. While regular inspections are understandable, when it feels excessive, it can become an invasion of privacy. Tenants need space and respect in their homes, and excessive check-ins only add to the tension.

Then there’s the issue of maintenance. Landlords often promise to fix things that break or need attention within the apartment, but many tenants find themselves waiting for weeks, or even months, for repairs. Whether it’s plumbing issues, electrical faults, or broken appliances, landlords often fail to prioritize these concerns, leaving tenants in uncomfortable living conditions. If the property isn’t being properly maintained, it can lead to the tenant feeling neglected or even taken advantage of.

Another frustrating aspect is the issue of deposits. Landlords may deduct amounts from tenants’ security deposits for reasons that are often vague or questionable. In some cases, tenants may never see their deposit again, regardless of the condition of the apartment when they leave. This can cause unnecessary financial strain for tenants who were expecting their deposit to be returned as agreed.

The Tenant’s Perspective

On the other hand, tenants in Ghana also have their own complaints and grievances. Tenants often feel the burden of maintaining the property and paying rent on time without receiving the respect they deserve in return. Unfortunately, some tenants fail to live up to their part of the agreement, causing landlords even more frustration.

One common issue for landlords is tenants who bring in additional people to stay at the property without seeking prior approval. While tenants may feel that it’s their right to invite guests over, this can create overcrowding, noise, and possible damage to the property. In cases where tenants allow a constant stream of people to stay at the apartment without informing the landlord, this can lead to tension and disagreements.

There’s also the issue of tenants who don’t take care of the property. Some neglect basic maintenance or damage the apartment, expecting the landlord to fix everything at their own expense. Whether it’s clogged drains, broken doors, or damaged furniture, it’s unfair to expect the landlord to handle the costs of neglect. Furthermore, some tenants can be uncooperative when it comes to paying rent on time, or even worse, they might stop paying altogether, leaving landlords in financial distress.

Additionally, tenants can sometimes overstay their lease agreements or become difficult when asked to vacate the property. When the lease period ends, landlords are within their rights to request that tenants leave. However, some tenants resist, claiming they have nowhere else to go or that they need more time. This can lead to delays in finding new tenants and interruptions in the landlord’s income stream.

Where Both Sides Fall Short

While the frustrations are real for both parties, it’s clear that the issue is often a lack of communication and mutual respect. Landlords and tenants must both recognize their responsibilities. Landlords should offer clear guidelines on visitation, maintenance, and the use of the property while respecting the privacy and comfort of their tenants. Tenants, on the other hand, should be mindful of their actions, such as respecting the terms of the lease, maintaining the property, and notifying the landlord of any changes, such as the addition of people staying in the apartment.

Unfortunately, the relationship between tenants and landlords in Ghana often becomes adversarial because neither side fully understands the other’s perspective. What could be a mutually beneficial relationship often turns sour due to misunderstanding, lack of communication, and disregard for the terms of the agreement.

The ongoing issues between landlords and tenants are clearly complex and multi-faceted. If you’re a landlord or a tenant in Ghana, understanding the other side’s perspective can make all the difference in improving the relationship and creating a more harmonious living situation. To explore these issues further, we invite you to tune in to our podcast where we discuss these challenges with real tenants and landlords in Ghana. We give you an opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from both sides of the issue.

WATCH HERE: Who Wins When the Law Isn’t on Your Side? | Tenant vs. Landlord