Finding decent accommodation in The Gambia has become a major struggle, especially for low- and middle-income earners. As the cost of living continues to rise, the housing crisis is tightening its grip on urban and peri-urban areas, with rent prices soaring beyond what the average Gambian can afford.
In urban areas like Greater Banjul, a modest two -bedroom apartment can cost between D7,000 to D15,000 monthly a figure far beyond the reach of many civil servants, low-income workers and struggling families.
For fresh graduates, single mothers and young workers just starting out, securing a decent place to live is a nightmare. Many are forced to live in overcrowded conditions, share spaces with strangers or settle for dilapidated structures that pose health and safety risks
Landlords are now dictating terms without regulation, often demanding six months to one-year upfront payment. This upfront burden leaves many tenants borrowing money, selling valuable, or going into debt just to keep a roof over their heads. Most landlord increase rent without notice or justification knowing that the tenants have no formal protection.
Several factors contribute to this worsening situation. First, there is no national rent control system or enforcement mechanism to regulate pricing. The housing sector has been left to the free market giving landlords unchecked power.
Migration has drastically increased demand in towns and cities, there is little public investment in affordable housing. Building materials and land have made construction cost higher and landlord are simply passing that cost onto tenants.
This unchecked rent crisis, is not just an economic issue but is also a social issue as families are splitting due to overcrowded or unstable living arrangement. Young people are delaying marriage and independence, some women and girls face exploitation in exchange for shelter.
The government must urgently introduce and enforce a national rent control law that sets clear limits on rental prices, prevent arbitrary increases and protect tenants from exploitation.
Action must be swift and sustainable, if this crisis is not addressed, we risk bulling a nation where only the wealthy can afford to live with dignity.
The right to shelter is not a privilege it is a necessity as more Gambians struggle to afford a place to live the government, landlords and communities must come together to end the silent suffering of renters across the country.