Safely renting a house in Ghana

ItsMac Active member

Member since 05 August 2015

ItsMacActive member05 March 2016 04:50:19

Okay. I visited Ghana and decided to move here from the U.S. I've been here for 4 days and staying at a hotel while searching for a single family detached house for rent. I've primarily been looking on Lamudi website and what I notice is that agents seem to put properties on the website that aren't available. They always say that property is no longer available, but we have some more properties (that are more expensive). Then I've heard about people renting properties (and even selling properties) that don't belong to them or people robbing you if you meet them with money on your person. So, my question is what is the best way to find a home rental in Ghana? Should I have an attorney to complete the transaction? How do you check to ensure that someone is a real agent or the real owner of a property for rent?

There is an agent pitching me a 3 br, 2 bath home with generator, electric wire fence, two AC units, and fitted kitchen in West Trassaco for $600 per month. This just seems very inexpensive from comparisons, so it naturally makes me skeptical. Again, I just want to take precautions before agreeing to meet with him.

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hkann Ghana Expert

Member since 10 March 2010

hkannGhana Expert05 March 2016 06:06:49

1191

I think the only advice I can give is don't give money to the agent, only the landlord. Go to the property and view it with the agent then ask for a copy of the rental agreement and check the small print. You can get the agreement changed if there are things you don't like and then only pay money to the landlord. The agent will also need a commission which is a percentage of the rent. Make sure you agree upfront what that is. There is good advice on accraexpat.com on renting property in Ghana. The further out of Accra you are the cheaper the property so the rent you quote is probably OK for West Trassaco

hkann Ghana Expert

Member since 10 March 2010

hkannGhana Expert05 March 2016 06:09:13

1191

The only way you can check that someone is the owner of the property is to ask to see a copy of their title.

M.Safwat New member

Member since 24 August 2014

M.SafwatNew member06 March 2016 14:47:50

Hi there.
As I have seen, as soon as the foreigner show out for Ghanaian people, you might expect the price jump 5-6 times more, therefor, it's advisable don't show out yourself in the scene at the begging, just send Ganian guy to ask instead, as soon as you know the initial price , you can go ahead of negotiation by yourself.
Unfortunately, this is the truth here, moreover don't forget to ask about the electrical power, water supply with pumping machine, and sewage tank.
Regrads

M.Safwat New member

Member since 24 August 2014

M.SafwatNew member06 March 2016 14:49:53

I want to recommend some of groups on Facebook could help in this field such as Ghana expat intl.

ItsMac Active member

Member since 05 August 2015

ItsMacActive member09 March 2016 22:27:35

Thanks for the advice M.Safwat. I used the advice from you and hkann, and was able to rent the home in West Trassaco without an issue.

hkann Ghana Expert

Member since 10 March 2010

hkannGhana Expert10 March 2016 05:07:37

1191

Glad everything has worked out and hope you will enjoy your life in Ghana.

brightonbrighton Member

Member since 26 October 2016

brightonbrightonMember26 October 2016 21:56:57

you mean the 'land title' or documents covering the property.

and this also needs to be checked against a photo ID of the person claiming to be the landlord, to make sure he is surely the owner of the property.