How Do I Screen Tenants in Ghana? Use These 5 Easy Steps

Screening tenants is a process you can’t skip when it comes to managing rental homes in Ghana. This is particularly necessary because tenants usually show their good side when looking for properties to rent in Ghana and knowing them formally without any scrutiny is challenging. 

As a property manager or a landlord, you have to be careful about staying within your limits but also get to know if the tenant's attitudes and backgrounds are credible enough to be a ‘good tenant’ or not. Screening tenants will help skip the pitfalls of troublesome tenants who could lead to unpaid rent, property damage, violation of lease agreements, or even legal headaches.

What is Tenant Screening?

Tenant screening is the process of evaluating potential tenants to determine their suitability for a rental property. It typically involves collecting information about the tenant's credit history, rental history, employment status, and criminal background. The goal of tenant screening is to identify tenants who are likely to pay rent on time, take care of the property, and follow the terms of the lease agreement. The information that is collected during tenant screening can vary depending on the landlord's requirements. 

The 5 Easy Steps To Screen Tenants In Ghana

The following 5 easy steps will guide you to screen tenants in Ghana efficiently. Whether you're a new property manager or a landlord, these steps will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and maintain the integrity of your rental property in Accra.

Step 1: Read and Understand The Rent Act 

Before you start the process of screening tenants in Ghana, it's important to familiarize yourself with the relevant rent laws and regulations. The Rent Act in Ghana governs the relationship between landlords and tenants. So, you must read and understand it very well.

As a landlord in Ghana, you're looking for the right tenant and protecting equal rights. Landlords have their rights, but tenant's rights should not be infringed upon. These rent laws in Ghana ensure no one is excluded or mistreated because of their vulnerability. Ignoring these laws in Accra can get you in trouble. 

Step 2: Set Clear Tenant Criteria

Setting clear tenant selection criteria is essential for tenant screening in Ghana. This step lays the groundwork for locating the best tenant for your Accra property. Meanwhile, setting the stage beforehand ensures that Ghanaian landlords and tenants are on the same page.

It is always a step ahead if you have predetermined criteria that help to streamline, clarify, and objectively evaluate the screening process. You can evaluate tenants against these standards once you determine what you want in a tenant. Employment status and rental history may all be considered. The goal is to make a decision that you'll not regret in the future.

The effectiveness of a tenant screening process is dependent on well-defined screening criteria. These processes are useful depending on how well they meet your criteria. Knowing what to look for aids in data interpretation and decision-making.

Step 3: Tenant Background Check

The third crucial step in the tenant screening process involves gathering accurate and comprehensive tenant information. This stage is essential in making an informed decision about whether to rent your property to a particular individual. 

Background checks reveal an applicant's criminal and eviction records. Find out from the tenant's records how many times has the tenant moved in the last 5 years. The background check completes tenant profiles. Contrary to popular belief, appearances can be deceiving, and it is imperative to pay attention to the importance of conducting a thorough background check.

Step 4: In-Person Interviews

interviewing tenants is a crucial process in the tenant process. This is done to ensure you find reliable and responsible individuals to occupy your rental property in Ghana. To do that you have to schedule in-person interviews with shortlisted candidates to build rapport and observe their communication skills. During the interview, ask open-ended questions to gauge their expectations and responsibilities as tenants.

In-person interviews will also allow you to have personal interactions with potential tenants which can reveal their true character and suitability. This step involves finding the best tenant for your property.

In this stage, don’t ignore your instincts but be objective. In the context of real estate, it's particularly important to pay attention to the human element. Tenants in Ghana are not just names on leases—they play a crucial role in maintaining and preserving your property. 

Step 5: Tenant Interaction & Final Decision

The final stage of tenant screening in Ghana involves deciding whether to accept or refuse a tenant based on a thorough evaluation of the steps above. After you have settled on a particular tenant, discuss the lease contract, security deposit, and rent terms, ensuring clarity and repeating property rules. 

If rejected, it should be respectfully and openly explained, explaining the decision politely and concisely to the tenant. It may be legally required, especially based on a background check.

Conclusion

We accurately say that by following these steps, you can effectively screen tenants in Ghana and select responsible and reliable individuals or families for your rental