The Rent Control Department in Ghana has announced plans to intensify enforcement against landlords who demand excessive advance rent payments from tenants. According to the Rent Act of 1963, as amended, landlords are not allowed to demand more than six months' rent in advance for tenancies exceeding six months. For monthly or shorter tenancies, the law prohibits advance demands exceeding one month's rent. This move aims to address longstanding concerns about landlords demanding one or two years' rent upfront.
The Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, announced that 2,000 personnel are expected to be deployed in the first quarter of 2027 to enforce Ghana's rental laws. The proposed task force, known as Yellow Yellow, will strengthen compliance after months of public education. This development follows concerns about prospective tenants struggling to secure accommodation due to excessive advance rent demands. The task force will work to ensure that landlords comply with the existing rent regulations.
Under Section 25(5) of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), as amended, a landlord cannot demand more than six months' rent in advance as a condition for granting, renewing or continuing a tenancy exceeding six months. For example, where a property costs GH₵2,000 monthly, six months' rent amounts to GH₵12,000, while one year costs GH₵24,000. Demanding the higher amount as a condition for granting a tenancy exceeding six months would breach the statutory advance-payment limit.
Tenants who have paid one or two years' rent in advance may have grounds to challenge excessive demands under Ghana's existing rental laws. However, paying more than six months' rent does not automatically mean they are entitled to an immediate refund. The circumstances surrounding the payment, the tenancy agreement, and the landlord's demands must be considered when determining the appropriate remedy. Tenants should understand that they need to provide evidence of the excessive demand.
Ghanaians who encounter excessive advance rent demands can lodge complaints with the Rent Control Department. Commissioner Frederick Opoku urged prospective tenants to collect evidence against landlords who demand more than the lawful advance. Tenants preparing complaints should preserve their tenancy agreements, payment receipts, bank or mobile money transaction records, and messages showing the amounts requested.
The Rent Control Department can be contacted through telephone: 0302 670 406 / 0302 670 399 / 0278331950 or email: [email protected]. The Accra office is located behind the Ghana Health Service Head Office. The department assists landlords and tenants with rental disputes through education and reconciliation, while alleged offences may require further legal proceedings.
The planned enforcement operation in 2027 is expected to put greater pressure on landlords to comply with Ghana's existing rent regulations. Tenants who have already made substantial advance payments should seek guidance from the department before demanding reimbursement or taking other action. The National Homeownership Fund's Rent-to-Own Scheme, a government-backed housing programme, targets low- and middle-income earners who cannot afford to purchase houses outright.
Key points
- The Rent Control Department will deploy 2,000 personnel in 2027 to enforce Ghana's rental laws.
- Landlords are not allowed to demand more than six months' rent in advance for tenancies exceeding six months.
- Tenants can report landlords who demand excessive advance rent payments to the Rent Control Department.
