About AgRentit

Section 1: Guidance for Landlords

1. Tenant Selection and Due Diligence. Landlords are encouraged to exercise due diligence before entering into any tenancy agreement. While comprehensive background checks such as credit scoring are not readily available in Ghana, landlords should make reasonable efforts to verify:

• The tenant’s employment status and source of income, including whether the employment is permanent or temporary.
• The legitimacy of the tenant’s profession and whether it aligns with the landlord’s standards and expectations.

The landlord retains the right to determine who is suitable as a tenant, provided such decisions are not discriminatory in contravention of national laws.

2. Setting Expectations Terms and conditions regarding acceptable conduct should be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement. Examples include:

• Restrictions on excessive noise and disturbances.
• Timely settlement of rent and utility bills.
• Prohibition of activities that may inconvenience neighbours or breach community standards.

3. Repairs and Maintenance Landlords are responsible for ensuring that the property is habitable and in good repair. The landlord is responsible for repairing damages caused by natural wear and tear, weather conditions, or defects in the property’s structure. This includes:

• Addressing any structural issues or safety hazards in a timely manner.
• Maintaining common areas and shared facilities.
• Responding promptly to repair requests from tenants.
• The tenant shall only bear the cost of repairs arising directly from their negligence or misuse of the premises.
• Landlords must provide reasonable prior notice before entering the property for inspections or repairs. Access must be at a mutually agreed time, except in emergencies.

Section 2: Guidance for Tenants

1. Property Care and Use Tenants are required to use the property responsibly and maintain it in a manner consistent with that of a prudent owner. This includes respecting the premises, neighbours, and the broader community.

2. Repairs and Maintenance Landlords remain responsible for major structural repairs, including but not limited to the roof, external walls, drainage, and permanent fixtures.Tenants are responsible for reporting any maintenance issues or repairs needed in a timely manner. This includes:

• Informing the landlord of any structural issues or safety hazards.
• Maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the property.
• Tenants are responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs, including replacing light bulbs, refilling gas cylinders, maintaining gardens or yards, and upkeep of personal fixtures.
• Tenants shall not alter or damage the property without the landlord’s written consent.

3. Access and Privacy Landlords may access the property for inspections or repairs, but only after providing adequate notice and securing the tenant’s consent. Outside of agreed access arrangements, tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property, free from undue interference.

4. Compliance with Agreement and Law

• Both parties are bound by the tenancy agreement and the provisions of Ghanaian tenancy law.
• Any breach of the agreement, including grounds for eviction, must follow lawful procedures.
• Rent adjustments, where necessary, should be communicated in advance, preferably not less than two months before the expiry of the tenancy term.

Section 3: General Principles

• Both parties must act in good faith and respect mutual rights.
• All provisions of the tenancy agreement must comply with national tenancy laws and may not override statutory rights and obligations.
• Cooperation reduces disputes and ensures stable tenancy.
• All agreements must comply with Ghana’s Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220).