28/07/2026
HERE ARE ACTIONS A LANDLORD IN CAMEROON MUST AVOID
Many landlords in Cameroon believe that because they hold the titre foncier or built the house, they can do anything to a tenant. But Cameroonian law protects both parties. The Civil Code, OHADA Uniform Acts, and the 2004 Law on Real Estate Tenancy all recognize that a tenant has rights that must be respected.
1. SELF HELP EVICTION IS UNLAWFUL
A landlord cannot lock a tenant out, padlock the door, seize furniture, or use “bayam sellam boys” to throw someone out.
Under Cameroon law, only a court order from the Court of First Instance followed by a bailiff’s ex*****on can legally evict a tenant. Anything else is illegal.
2. A TENANT’S HOME IS PROTECTED BY LAW
Article 8 of the Civil Code protects the inviolability of domicile.
A landlord can not barge into a rented apartment, compound, or studio without prior notice and the tenant’s consent, except in cases of emergency like fire or burst pipe.
3. DESTROYING OR DAMAGING THE PROPERTY TO FRUSTRATE A TENANT IS ILLEGAL
Removing zinc, doors, windows, cutting electricity, or pouring water to make the house uncomfortable is an offence.
It can lead to civil damages and even criminal charges for destruction of property and harassment at the police station or gendarmerie.
4. ESSENTIAL SERVICES MUST NOT BE USED AS A WEAPON
Cutting ENEO electricity, CAMWATER, or sealing the common tap/toilet to force a tenant to pay or leave is illegal.
These are considered abusive practices. The tenant can report to the Rent Control Board in the Divisional Delegation of Housing and Urban Development.
5. RENT SHOULD NEVER BE EXCHANGED FOR SEXUAL FAVORS
Demanding s*x, especially from female tenants or students, in place of rent is s*xual harassment and abuse of vulnerability.
It is punishable under the Cameroon Penal Code. Victims can report to the police, gendarmerie, or NGOs and human rights commissions.
6. ALWAYS ISSUE PROPER RENT RECEIPTS
Every rent payment must be acknowledged with a signed receipt stating amount, period, and house address.
This protects both landlords and tenants. In disputes at the Commission de Conciliation or court, receipts are your main evidence.
7. PUT TENANCY AGREEMENTS IN WRITING
Verbal agreements cause 90% of the wahala.
A written lease contract should state: rent amount, duration, deposit/ who pays repairs, notice period. Both parties and 2 witnesses should sign. You can have it legalized at the Council or notarized.
8. LEGAL NOTICES MUST FOLLOW THE LAW
To recover premises, a landlord must serve a Notice to Quit through a bailiff/Huissier de Justice, respecting the notice period in the contract, usually 3 months.
WhatsApp voice notes, threats, or announcements at the compound gate are not valid in court.
9. DO NOT CREATE A TENANCY WITHOUT PROPER DOCUMENTATION
Collect ID copies, take photos of the house before handover, and keep a file.
Good documentation prevents disputes over damages, unpaid rent, and illegal subletting.
Remember:
Owning a house does not place you above the law in Cameroon.
If a tenant’s rights are violated, they can seize the Commission de Contrôle des Loyer, go to the Court of First Instance, or report to the police. The fines and damages can be very costly.
Ignorance of the law is not a defence.
Know your rights. Know your responsibilities.
Written by: Barrister Dieudonné Nfor
Email [email protected]
