In Ghana, a one-bedroom and a sitting room, popularly known as chamber and hall are considered to be an ideal housing type for young people starting out in life considering the fact that they are inexpensive. Cost is one of the factors that determine the type of housing people go for but, what are the pros and cons of renting a chamber and hall, Jumia House has compiled them below:

Pros:

(i)    Renting a chamber and hall is less expensive, depending on the location. A chamber and hall with a common bathroom, kitchen and veranda will cost at least GHC 280 to rent for a month in a suburb like Nungua.

(ii)    The rooms could be quite spacious.

(iii)    If you are lucky to get  a chamber and hall on the first floor or upwards, there’s a high probability of having good ventilation.

Cons:

(i) Because they contain just a single room, moving in with kids will be uncomfortable because of the lack of privacy.

(ii) If  there is no bathroom in your chamber, using the communal bathroom at midnight may be very dangerous.

(iii)    Some chamber and hall in certain suburbs are quite expensive and landlords usually demand two years in advance rent cost.

(iv)    Visitors can easily invade your chamber at the least chance.

(v)    You are prone to use your corridor as the kitchen space or share the space with other tenants making it a bit inconvenient.

Here are some tips that need to be considered when renting a chamber and hall:

• Occupants should check the drainage system and taps before settling for the accommodation.
• If there is a chance to negotiate for a year’s advance payment, take it. When occupants go for the property for a long term and have to relocate before the lease is up, it is difficult to get another person to take up the property.
• If the landlord is very eager to rent out the place, be careful. It might be that something is actually wrong with the place.

This post was written by Samuel Tettey-Fio. Samuel is a third year student at Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) studying for a BSc. in Information Technology.