Know Your Rights

Habitability and Essential Living Conditions

Serious defects affecting basic living conditions can create legal issues under a tenancy agreement and applicable property law.

General information only

This resource does not constitute legal advice for your individual case.

What you should know

Problems such as unsafe structures, defective plumbing, insecure locks or other serious conditions may raise questions about a landlord's obligations under the tenancy agreement and applicable law.

Notify the landlord or property manager in writing, describe the problem clearly and keep photographs, videos, repair requests and receipts. In an urgent safety situation, prioritise personal safety.

Do not assume that every repair issue gives an automatic right to withhold rent or terminate a tenancy. The available remedy depends on the agreement, the condition of the property and the law that applies.

Your circumstances matter.

Legal rights and available remedies depend on the facts of each situation. Contact A4A if you need advice about how the law applies to you.

When to seek help

If you are unsure how the law applies to your circumstances, if your rights may have been infringed, or if you have been arrested, detained, threatened or placed at immediate risk, seek legal assistance.

Legal reference points

  • Applicable Sierra Leone tenancy, property and contract law

For Sierra Leone legislation, judgments and other primary legal materials, use an authoritative source such as SierraLII. The legislation that applies to an individual matter may change or depend on the facts.

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