The Burden of Rent Advance in Cameroon: A Challenge for Working Youths
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Loading... - Adric Fosu
- 18 Sep 2024
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In Douala, Cameroon, high rent advances are posing a serious challenge for young working professionals. Despite being illegal, landlords often require tenants to pay six months to a year of rent in advance. This practice disproportionately affects young people entering the workforce, forcing many to stay with their parents longer due to the financial burden.
Socrate Tanleu, a tenant, expressed frustration, stating that paying a year's rent upfront is difficult for those starting their careers. Though illegal, lawyer Nicolas Ntamag highlights that this requirement is widespread. Homeowners like Bertrand Tashinda defend the practice, citing the instability of the labor market in Cameroon. Many landlords use the advance to safeguard against tenants defaulting on payments or losing their jobs unexpectedly, allowing them to create a reserve fund for potential repairs.
In response, Cameroon aims to introduce legal reforms to cap rent advances and deposits at two months, following the example of countries like Ivory Coast. This would ease access to housing for many citizens by eliminating excessive upfront payments.
The situation reflects the complex balance between legal frameworks, tenant rights, and economic insecurity for property owners.
