Things to check before you sign a lease in Ghana

Things to check before you sign a lease

A 30-minute inspection saves months of arguments. Use this checklist on every viewing; don't skip the boring ones.

Structural

• [ ] Walls: no visible cracks, especially around windows and door frames.
• [ ] Ceilings: no water stains or sagging.
• [ ] Floors: tiles intact, no loose sections.
• [ ] Doors: all latch and lock. Front door has a deadbolt.
• [ ] Windows: all open and close cleanly; mosquito nets intact.

Plumbing

• [ ] Turn on every tap. Check pressure, and how long hot water takes.
• [ ] Flush every toilet. Listen for running water after it refills.
• [ ] Check under sinks for leaks or water damage.
• [ ] Shower drains fully within 30 seconds.

Electrical & power

• [ ] Every outlet works (bring a charger to test).
• [ ] Light switches control the expected light.
• [ ] Fuse box is labelled and accessible.
• [ ] Ask about generator coverage: is there a shared genset? How many hours does it cover? Who pays for diesel?

Water

• [ ] Is there a water reservoir (poly-tank)? What size?
• [ ] Municipal water supply schedule — how often does WASSA pump?
• [ ] Booster pump present and functional?

Kitchen

• [ ] Gas hob connects and ignites. Ask about cylinder vs mains gas.
• [ ] Extractor fan or window ventilation.
• [ ] Fridge cold (bring a thermometer if serious).

Bathroom

• [ ] Water heater: gas or electric? Test at the tap.
• [ ] Tiles and grout intact, no mould.

Internet & connectivity

• [ ] Confirm the building has fibre (Vodafone, Surfline, Telecel, MTN Fibre). Speeds vary enormously.
• [ ] Mobile signal (MTN, AirtelTigo, Telecel, Glo) — check in every room.

Outside & security

• [ ] Perimeter wall + gate: locks work, no easy climb points.
• [ ] Security presence (guard, patrol, neighbours).
• [ ] Parking: covered? safe? shared?
• [ ] Street lighting at night.

Neighbourhood — visit twice

• [ ] Once at 8 am on a weekday — what's traffic like?
• [ ] Once at 7 pm on a weekday — is it safe, well-lit?
• [ ] Church / mosque / pub proximity — do you mind the noise?

Paperwork before signing

• [ ] Proof the landlord owns the property (or has mandate to let it).
• [ ] The tenancy agreement covers every clause from our tenancy guide.
• [ ] Advance is 6 months or less (Rent Act).
• [ ] Receipt for every payment, with the property address on it.

Red flags that mean you walk away

• Pressure to sign "today" without reading.
• "Landlord is abroad, pay the agent" — ask how the agent will get the money to the landlord.
• Agent can't produce a Ghana Card.
• Can't tour the actual unit ("it's still occupied, but here's a similar one").

Print this. Take it with you. If your agent bristles at the checklist, that's a signal — legitimate agents appreciate tenants who do this properly.