Tenancy agreement in Ghana: How to write one, samples, more

The primary benefit of a tenancy agreement is it gives a tenant extensive security of tenure. It gives you the legal right to stay in a certain building or apartment unless the landlord can establish legal grounds for kicking you out. Learning how to write one is encouraged for all tenants and landlords.

A tenancy agreement is a legal document that gives details of the contract between a landlord and a tenant. The document outline the property details, tenancy period, obligations of each party, and rules to be followed.

Tenancy agreement in Ghana

A tenancy agreement details the occupation arrangement, parties involved, the property, the rental terms, and the rent amount for the specified period.

The property owner is known as the landlord, and the renter is known as the rentee. The rental contract terms should be made verbally and in written form as required under contract law.

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Contents of a tenancy agreement

The tenancy agreement law in Ghana provides for the right and responsibilities of the landlord and rentee.

It also details the scope of their obligations and a conscious declaration that the landlord has agreed to rent or lease the property. Below are the contents of the document, which should be in written form.

• The names of the parties involved
• Property details
• Tenancy period and renewal option
• Landlord’s responsibilities
• Rentee’s responsibilities
• House rules, regulations, and prohibitions
• Conflict resolution process
• Rental amount and deposits

How to write a tenancy agreement

A tenancy agreement doc is crucial. Therefore, you must comprehend what it entails. It is common for Ghanaians to sign documents without reading and understanding the contents.

The format you use when creating this document is crucial. A simple and clear format is recommended as it prevents misunderstandings in the future and protects both parties in a lawful manner.

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Signing such a document indicates you will follow the stated rules and responsibilities. If you have been wondering how to make a tenancy agreement, here's how to.

• The top should contain the title indicating it is a tenancy agreement.
• The beginning of the document should state the parties involved and the date of signing.
• The property details should also be included.
• It should state the type of agreement, e.g., lease or rent.
• The subsequent section should give the occupant's/ occupants' details.
• It should also include the terms of the agreement, including the amount due, deposits, and how the money should be remitted.
• The rules and regulations of the property should follow.
• Finally, there should be space to append signatures.

Tenancy agreement sample

Below is a sample of a tenancy agreement Ghanaian landlords can use. It governs the relationship between the involved parties.

TENANCY AGREEMENT

The parties: This agreement is made between _____ (landlord and their address) and _____ (rentee and their address) on (insert date).

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Property details: The Landlord agrees to rent the following property to the rentee in exchange for the payment terms indicated below.

a) Property Address:

b) Residence Type:

c) Bedroom(s):

d) Bathroom(s):

Type of agreement: This agreement shall be considered as follows (check the appropriate type).

Fixed Lease: The rentee shall be allowed to occupy the premises starting on (date) and ending on (date). At the end of the term, the renteewill vacate the premises, or the landlord and tenant will be required to re-negotiate the renewal options.

Month-to-month lease: The rentee will occupy the premises on a month-to-month arrangement starting on (date) and ending upon notice of (insert number of days) from either the landlord or rentee.

Occupant(s) details: The premises shall strictly be occupied by the following individuals (list their names and addresses)

Payment terms: During the agreed term, the rentee shall be responsible for the following:

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• Monthly rent:
• Security deposit:
• Other(s):

The amount should be sent to (insert payment details)

Utilities: The rentee shall be responsible for all utilities and services to the premises except for (insert exception).

Rules and regulations: The terms and conditions of occupation are as follows.

• (list the rules and regulations)

Signature: I _____ (insert the rentee's name) confirm I have read and understood the terms and conditions of the agreement.

NB: Rentees should sign two copies of the document. They should retain one copy, and the other should be kept by the landlord.

Tenancy agreement template

If you wish, you can download a tenancy agreement template online. If you do so, ascertain the template contains all the necessary details. You can edit it to meet your needs. Multiple templates are available online in MS Word or PDF formats.

Rent control in Ghana

Before signing a tenancy agreement, ensure you read the Rent Act of Ghana 220. The act was signed into law in 1963 and is enforced by the Rent Control Division.

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This legal body stipulates the responsibilities of landlords and rentees. It also protects the interests of both parties.

According to Ghana's rent law, the rentee should take care of the landlord's property and pay all utility bills. Additionally, any destruction or alteration of the property is punishable by law.

On the other hand, the rentee is protected against unlawful eviction. An eviction clause stops the landlord from evicting the rentee before the period of tenancy is complete. At the same time, it indicates scenarios the landlord may terminate the tenancy agreement.

Handling changes to tenancy agreements

Ordinarily, the rentee should not modify or alter the agreement. The tenancy agreement should always be the benchmark for all these practices.

If the landlord needs to make changes for any reason, they must ensure their actions are in line with the rules set by the Rent Control Division. All changes should be communicated to the rentee before they are made effective.

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What is a tenancy agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant specifying the terms and conditions of a rental agreement. The document is signed before a tenant occupies the premises.

How do I write a tenancy agreement in Ghana?

If you have been wondering how to write a tenancy agreement letter, follow the steps explored above. You can also use the sample provided as a guide.

A tenancy agreement is a crucial document between a landlord and a tenant. It prevents misunderstandings by stating all rules, regulations, and responsibilities of the parties involved.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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READ ALSO: How to write a funeral invitation letter (sample included)

Yen.com.gh recently published details on how to write a funeral invitation letter. Losing a loved one is extremely painful and comes with unmatched sadness and grief.

Ensuring they have a befitting funeral is the best way to honour a departed soul. For this to happen, you will have to write a funeral invitation letter notifying other friends and relatives of the event.

Source: YEN.com.gh