If you are renting in Accra for the first time, the biggest surprise is usually the advance: rent paid upfront for many months at once.
What advance means
Instead of paying every month, the tenant pays for a set period before moving in. One or two years is common for homes in Accra.
What the law says
The Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) limits rent advance to six months. In practice many landlords still ask for more, so the amount is often part of the negotiation. Whatever you agree, put it in writing.
How to plan for it
- Budget for the advance, plus any agency fee and the cost of moving in.
- Ask whether the rent is fixed for the whole period you pay for.
- Ask what happens if you need to leave early.
Check before you pay
- Visit the property at the time of day you would usually be home.
- Test the water supply, the electricity meter and the air-conditioning.
- Ask who pays for water, electricity, waste collection and security.
- Sign a tenancy agreement that states the rent, the advance, the period and who repairs what.
- Get a receipt for every payment.
If something goes wrong, the Rent Control Department can help with disputes between landlords and tenants.
Each rental on our website shows how many months of advance the landlord is asking for, so there are no surprises. Browse homes for rent or tell us what you need on WhatsApp.
