Elsie FaFa Amelordzi reveals

 Before You Rent a House in Accra, Read This First

The flooding in Accra is getting out of hand. Every time it rains heavily, we wake up to heartbreaking scenes of homes underwater, cars destroyed, businesses affected, and families losing everything they worked so hard for. As we continue to demand better planning and drainage infrastructure, we must also protect ourselves by making informed decisions before renting.

Before you pay that two-year rent advance, don't let beautiful tiles, fresh paint, or a modern kitchen convince you. Instead, check these things:

1. Look for signs of previous flooding.  

Check the walls for water stains, peeling paint, damp patches, or green moss. These could be signs that floodwater has entered the property before.

2. Study the location.  

Is the house lower than the main road? Is it close to a stream, wetland, lagoon, or major drain? Water naturally flows to lower ground.

3. Inspect the drainage system.  

Are the drains around the property wide enough and free from rubbish? Poor drainage can turn even a good neighbourhood into a flood zone.

4. Ask the neighbours.  

Walk 50 metres and ask around.  

After viewing the house, walk about 50 metres down the street. Speak to the woman at the provision shop, the mechanic, or anyone who has lived in the area for some time. Ask one simple question: "Does this place flood when it rains?" They have nothing to sell you, so they're more likely to give you an honest answer. That one question could save you from making a very expensive mistake.

5. Visit after a rainfall, if possible.  

The best time to inspect a property is after a heavy rain. You will quickly notice where water collects and whether the area drains properly.

A house is more than its appearance, it's also about safety. Ask the right questions before signing a tenancy agreement. A few extra minutes of due diligence today could save your property, your money, and your peace of mind tomorrow.

 Elsie Fafa Amelordzi