The tenant-landlord crisis in The Gambia has become a recurring challenge that shows no sign of abating. In a country where over half of its 2.5 million people live in poverty, rising housing costs have placed an overwhelming burden on already struggling tenants. 

Many renters, living hand-to-mouth, are forced to endure harsh demands from landlords who often require six months or even a year’s rent upfront, an impossible feat for most low-income earners.

Adding fuel to this fire is the unchecked rise of self-appointed “house agents” whose unscrupulous actions further exploit vulnerable tenants. These agents, operating without regulation, engage in deceitful practices, inflating rental costs and duping unsuspecting people out of their hard-earned money. 

Despite their critical role in the housing market, their activities remain unmonitored, leaving tenants at their mercy.

The recent passage of a rental regulation law aimed at curbing these exploitative practices was a much-needed step. This legislation prohibits landlords from demanding excessive upfront payments, offering hope to tenants burdened by these unfair demands.

However, as with many laws in The Gambia, the issue lies not in its drafting but in its enforcement. Despite the law being in effect, landlords continue to flout it with impunity, perpetuating the suffering of struggling citizens.

This failure to implement laws is emblematic of a larger problem in The Gambia, a system adept at creating policies but ineffective at enforcing them. The continued suffering of tenants highlights the gap between legislative action and practical application.

The question remains, when will the government step up to enforce the law and shield citizens from these exploitative practices? 

Without action, the cycle of poverty and housing insecurity will persist, leaving many Gambians trapped in a system that prioritises profit over their basic rights.

It is high time for the authorities to hold landlords and rogue agents accountable, ensuring that housing, a fundamental human right, is accessible and fair for all.