The non-financial determinants of residential landlords’ tenancy decisions in Ghana’s rental market

Purpose In urban centres, rental housing is shaped not only by financial factors such as rent levels and affordability but also by a range of non-financial determinants. This study examines the most influential non-financial factors and empirically classifies those shaping residential landlords’ tenancy decisions in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design and conducted a structured survey of 372 residential landlords across first, second and third-class residential areas in Greater Kumasi. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while qualitative data from open-ended questions were used to add more depth to the findings. Findings The results indicated that the five most important non-financial factors that determine tenancy were criminal record (RII = 0.818), marital status (0.811), level of education (0.808), politeness and attitude (0.802) and rule compliance (0.801). The EFA grouped these determinants into three factors: socioeconomic and cultural suitability (32.275%), personal traits and behaviour (29.772%) and domestic compatibility and property care (23.698%), which account for 85.745% of the variance. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for urban planners to consider non-financial screening functions as informal regulation, requiring transparent tenancy guidelines and non-discrimination safeguards to strengthen equitable rental governance. Originality/value This study reconceptualises non-financial determinants as structured informal governance logics, demonstrating how landlord discretion shapes housing access within Ghana’s urban rental markets.