Accessing Private Rental Housing in the Absence of Housing Information in Ghana

Abstract

While housing research in the developed world illustrates rental information channels, little is known about the situation in developing countries. This study examines the channels of information that are used in the private rental housing market by renters using Kumasi metropolis in Ghana as a case study. Using qualitative research methods involving interviews, findings show that unlike the developed world where rental information is readily available online, renters rely on a network of friends, relatives, co-worshippers and informal agents to find rental properties. A personal search is also common amongst renters. The use of these channels of information is founded on the absence of publicly available rental data. It is suggested that the rental space be regulated as a starting point to ensuring more formality and a better flow of information in the rental market.