By Robert Tachie Menson, GNA
Dormaa-Ahenkro, (Bono), June 10, GNA – The National Tenants Union of Ghana has proposed a mandatory ‘landlord disclosure regime’ to compel landlords and property owners to disclose risks associated with properties.
According to the union, the regime ought to include, but not limited to, recurring flooding, structural defects, sanitation concerns, environmental hazards, and any other conditions that could significantly affect a tenant’s safety, and health.
A statement issued and signed by Mr Reindolph Afrifa-Oware, the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs of the Union explained that: “This has become necessary because it’s unacceptable for a tenant to commit substantial financial resources to secure accommodation only to discover those dangers after moving in”.
It noted that: “Often tenants rent properties without knowing that their premises have a history of flooding, serious structural defects, poor drainage systems, plumbing problems, sanitation challenges, or other conditions that pose risks to life and properties”.
A copy of the statement made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) noted that: “The recent flooding incidents in parts of the country have once again exposed a major gap in tenant protection within Ghana’s housing sector”.
Hence the need to evolve, develop new strategies and plans to build trust, and protect the interest of tenants and property owners in a sustainable way.
The statement indicated that: “A housing market built on transparency is a housing market built on trust.
Tenants deserve the right to make informed decisions before committing to any rental agreement”, it added.
The statement said that the proposal and reforms would strengthen consumer protection, improve accountability within the rental sector, reduce disputes, and promote safer housing standards in the country.
It said access to housing ought not to come with hidden risks, saying that: “It’s time for Ghana’s tenancy laws and housing regulations to reflect this reality”.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Robert Tachie Menson
[email protected]