Tenants in Cameroon have a great role to play in ensuring that the tenancy regime is successful. Both the tenant and landlord have responsibilities and rights which they must fulfil and benefit from during the pendency of a tenancy contract in Cameroon.
A tenancy contract in Cameroon is a contract of rental, usually written between the owner of a property and a renter who desires to have temporal possession of the property. The agreement identifies the parties to the contract, the property, the rental term, the amount to be paid for the term of possession, and the obligation of the parties during the tenancy period.
A tenant under Cameroon law is entitled to benefit from certain rights and protection during the pendency of a tenancy contract in Cameroon. These rights and protections can be illustrated through certain clauses as follows;
Fair Wear and Tear Clause: This clause protects the tenant against paying for damages which occurred on the premises as a result of the age of the property (natural circumstances).
Quiet Enjoyment: This clause give the tenant the exclusive right to enjoy his rented property without disturbance from the landlord or third parties.
Entry and Inspection: This clause gives the tenant the right to be informed before time by the landlord of his desire to enter his rented premise for inspection.
Noise Clause: This clause protects the tenant against noise capable of disturbing his prerogative of quiet enjoyment.
Reimbursement Clause: This clause gives the tenant the right to be reimbursed for works carried out by the tenant which was the responsibility of the landlord.
Rent Review: This clause gives the tenant the right to be informed ahead of time by the landlord on his intention to review the rents to be paid for the property in the future.
Standard of Accommodation: The tenant has a right to be given an accommodation of an acceptable standard.
Right to Contact Landlord at Reasonable Times: This is an exclusive right for a tenant. The tenant must exercise this right as per the circumstances of the situation during the tenancy term.
Eviction Clause: The tenant has the right to be given a reasonable period of notice to quit in line with the nature and duration of the tenancy contract.