In Ghana, the relationship between a landlord and a tenant is governed by the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220). While tenants often focus on their own responsibilities, it is equally important to understand what the law requires a landlord to provide.

If you are renting a home or office, here are the key legal obligations your landlord must fulfill.

1. Providing a Habitable Property

The most basic requirement is that the property must be fit for human habitation. This means the building must be structurally sound, safe, and sanitary.

A landlord is legally required to ensure that the roof does not leak, the walls are stable, and the premises are free from conditions that could harm the tenant’s health or safety.

2. Responsibility for Structural Repairs

Under Ghanaian law, the landlord is generally responsible for “external and structural repairs.” This includes fixing issues with the foundation, main walls, roof, and any shared areas like hallways or staircases.

While a tenant might handle small internal things like changing a lightbulb, major repairs that affect the integrity of the building are the landlord’s duty.

3. Issuing Rent Receipts

This is a mandatory legal requirement that many landlords overlook. A landlord must issue a written receipt for every payment made by the tenant.

This receipt serves as vital proof of payment in case of a dispute. It must include the date, the amount paid, the period covered, and the landlord’s signature.

4. Ensuring “Quiet Enjoyment”

Once a tenant pays rent and moves in, they have the right to “quiet enjoyment” of the property. This means the landlord cannot enter the premises whenever they like.

Except in emergencies, a landlord must give the tenant reasonable notice before visiting for inspections or repairs. Constant interference or unannounced visits can be considered a breach of the tenancy agreement.

5. Payment of Property Rates and Taxes

Unless the tenancy agreement specifically states otherwise, the landlord is responsible for paying all government-mandated property rates, ground rents, and taxes associated with the ownership of the building. Tenants are usually only responsible for their own utility bills (water, electricity, waste) and the rent itself.

6. Provision of Basic Utilities

While the tenant usually pays for the usage of water and electricity, the landlord is responsible for providing the initial connection and ensuring the infrastructure (pipes, wiring, meters) is in good working order.

A landlord cannot intentionally cut off a tenant’s water or electricity supply as a way to force them out; this is illegal and punishable under the Rent Act.

7. Following Legal Eviction Procedures

A landlord has an obligation to follow the law if they want a tenant to leave. They cannot use “self-help” methods like removing the door, throwing out belongings, or changing locks. They must provide a formal notice to quit and, if the tenant does not leave, obtain an eviction order from the Rent Control Department or a court.

Conclusion

Knowing these obligations helps tenants hold their landlords accountable and ensures a fair living arrangement. If your landlord fails to meet these requirements, your first step should be a formal written complaint.

If the issue remains unresolved, the Rent Control Department is the official body tasked with mediating these disputes in Ghana.