REAL ESTATE IN PARAKOU: Repairs and septic tank emptying: who pays?
In Parakou, finding decent housing is a real struggle. Due to a lack of maintenance, many homes are deteriorating, threatening the safety and health of the occupants. Between refusals to repair and blackmail involving rent increases, the tug-of-war between landlords and tenants is constant.
Cracked walls, leaky roofs, broken windows: many homes are rented as is, without any renovations between leases. Brice A., a tenant in Parakou, experiences this situation daily: “The wind ripped off my bedroom window. The landlord refuses to repair it unless I agree to a rent increase. I live in total insecurity, especially with the current rains.”
Students, with their tight budgets, are particularly affected. “Last year, a storm actually ripped the door off a friend’s room,” says Amédé Dehokin, a student in the city. The management of toilets remains a major problem in rental properties. When septic tanks overflow, the latrines become unusable, but landlords are slow to act.
« For landlords, only the rent matters, » laments Samuel Adandé, another tenant. « When the landlord finally agrees to empty the tank, they ask us to contribute or raise the rent. Profit comes first. »
Faced with these complaints, some landlords cite rising costs and are seeking compromises. Mathias Orou, a retired teacher and landlord, explains: « Until now, I’ve always paid for the repairs and emptying myself. But the expenses are becoming too burdensome. I’m going to suggest to my tenants that we share these costs occasionally. We need to talk to reach an agreement. »
For her part, Thérèse Taïo requests a fixed contribution of 500 CFA francs per room during maintenance work: « Some landlords are exaggerating, it’s true. I’m just asking for this small contribution without imposing anything. » I would also like tenants to ask for things more politely, as aggression often blocks dialogue.
Beyond the discomfort, unsanitary housing conditions are deadly. Dr. Simplice Hinvo, a general practitioner in Parakou, warns of the dangers of overflowing septic tanks.
« These odors contain toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which causes dizziness and respiratory arrest, and ammonia, which irritates the bronchi, » explains the doctor. Furthermore, the humidity spreads bacteria and viruses responsible for serious illnesses: acute diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever, which primarily affect children and the elderly.
In case of conflict or if the landlord refuses to act, it is best to:
Write a formal notification (letter with acknowledgement of receipt) to the landlord to inform them of the problem and keep a written record.
Contact the local authorities (neighborhood chief or town hall) if the landlord still refuses to act.
Contact the health department to report the unsanitary conditions and health risks.
For now, dialogue and understanding everyone’s rights remain the best ways to avoid conflicts.
✍️ By Joseph HOUNKPATIN (Intern)
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