Ghana-Based Lady Compares Renting in Ghana vs. the United States: “One Is Better Than the Other”
- A Ghana-based lady shared her insights on the differences in renting between Ghana and the United States of America
- She compared the upfront payment requirements, noting that in Ghana, the processes are simpler, unlike in the US
- Renarda also discussed the difference in apartment types, comparing Ghana’s unfurnished apartments with those in the U.S.
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Real estate developer Renarda Joy recently took to her TikTok page to share her insights into the differences between renting an apartment in Ghana and the United States.
Source: TikTok
With an abundance of experience in both markets, Renarda Joy, who recently moved to Ghana, compared key aspects of renting between the two countries, including the processes, pricing and the overall business environment.
During an interview, she gave key insights into the two worlds, including what a person seeking to relocate to either country should consider before making the step.
According to Renarda, the rental process in the US involves a thorough and often lengthy checklist.
She highlighted that one of the first steps in renting an apartment in the US is checking the renter’s credit score, which plays a key role in determining eligibility.
Additionally, renters must submit various documents, such as bank statements.
Source: Getty Images
She also stated that in cities like New York, tenants are required to show proof of making 40 times the rent and also must pay the first month, last month, and a security deposit upfront.
However, in Ghana, Renarda noted that credit scores are not a factor in the rental process.
Instead, the decision is largely influenced by personal connections, making the process less formal than in the US.
She said:
"Here in Ghana, credit doesn’t even matter. It depends on who you know."
She also pointed out that for Ghana, the upfront payment is quite different; tenants are expected to pay for 6 to 12 months of rent in advance. This, she said, is often equivalent to what people in the US pay monthly for rent.
Lady compares rent between Ghana and US
Renarda also shed light on the difference in furnished versus unfurnished apartments in Ghana and the US.
In her words:
"Unfurnished means no stove, no refrigerator, and in some cases, no AC or even a fan in Ghana, unlike the US."
Another significant difference Renarda pointed out was utilities.
In her video, she praised Ghana's pay-as-you-go system for utilities, where you only pay for what you use.
This contrasts with the US, where renters are often charged fixed rates for utilities, regardless of their usage.
Watch her explanation video below.
Reactions to US-Ghana rental differences
The video triggered interesting debates online with Ghanaians fascinated by some of the new facts they learned. For instance, many people were not aware it takes an arm and a leg to rent in the US.
Some of the comments have been collated below:
ZumbaTy wrote:
"I visited last December and loved it. I wasn't there long, but I'm considering leaving the U.S. one day. I'll be back this December."
HanzDown said:
"No credit check. Just pay a year upfront and get on with your life."
Nayamaya commented:
"When I moved to the US, I was shocked by the requirements; I almost lost it."
T313gf said:
"Credit doesn't matter yet, but it's coming soon."
Accra resident demands regulation of renting policies
YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that a resident of Accra shared her struggles with high rent prices, emotional toll, and pressure from her landlord.
She called on the Ghanaian government to take action on rent control to reduce financial hardship for renters.
The young lady, a hardworking professional, urged understanding from landlords and more affordable rent policies.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
