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“You Either Pay More Advance Rent or You Move Out†: Landlords/Ladies’ and Tenants’ Dilemmas in the Low-income Housing Market in Accra, Ghana

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  • Godwin Arku
  • Isaac Luginaah
  • Paul Mkandawire

Abstract

Policy-makers world-wide are concerned about severe housing problems experienced in cities of the developing world. This paper examines the rental housing situation in Accra, Ghana. It presents findings of a qualitative investigation of the experiences of property owners ( n = 21) and tenants ( n = 23) in an informal private housing market that caters to the housing needs of an expanding section of Accra residents but lacks an institutional framework for regulating landlord/lady–tenant relations. The specific focus of the investigation is on perceptions of an intensifying tenancy management practice called the advance rent system. Overall, the findings reveal severe rental housing pressures and conflicting relations between renters and property owners rooted in asymmetrical perceptions regarding this system. The paper describes the conditions that shape landlords/ladies’ behaviours towards renters and their reactions to what are generally perceived as fraudulent tenure terms that property owners arbitrarily impose on tenants in this market. The paper concludes by suggesting policy recommendations to mitigate constraints plaguing a dysfunctional rental market system.

Suggested Citation

  • Godwin Arku & Isaac Luginaah & Paul Mkandawire, 2012. "“You Either Pay More Advance Rent or You Move Out†: Landlords/Ladies’ and Tenants’ Dilemmas in the Low-income Housing Market in Accra, Ghana," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 49(14), pages 3177-3193, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:49:y:2012:i:14:p:3177-3193
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098012437748
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Malpezzi, S. & Tipple, A.G. & Willis, K.G., 1990. "Costs And Benefits Of Rent Control: A Case Study In Kumasi, Ghana," World Bank - Discussion Papers 74, World Bank.
    2. Kenneth G. Willis & Stephen Malpezzi & A. Graham Tipple, 1990. "An Econometric and Cultural Analysis of Rent Control in Kumasi, Ghana," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 27(2), pages 241-257, April.
    3. Arku, Godwin & Luginaah, Isaac & Mkandawire, Paul & Baiden, Philip & Asiedu, Alex B., 2011. "Housing and health in three contrasting neighbourhoods in Accra, Ghana," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(11), pages 1864-1872, June.
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