The Rent Control Department (RCD) of Ghana has issued a nationwide directive to University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL) and all private hostel operators. They are required to immediately suspend all unassessed residential fee increases and restore previous rental rates. The directive also mandates that excess fees collected from students be refunded by November 17, 2026. This move follows a formal petition by the University of Ghana Students' Representative Council (UGSRC).
The petition, titled "Petition for the Review of Proposed Residential Fees by University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL)," prompted the RCD to take action. The regulatory body clarified that labelling premises as "student accommodation" or "private hostels" does not exempt operators from national rent laws. Under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) and the Rent Control Act, 1986 (PNDCL 138), all private hostel facilities must comply with state assessment regulations before implementing rent adjustments.
The RCD has outlined key directives for UGEL and hostel operators. Firstly, they must halt the collection of unapproved rent increases and revert to previous fee structures. This is to be done until official statutory assessment processes are completed. Secondly, operators are required to calculate and refund all excess amounts paid by student tenants above the previous rates. The refund period is from November 3 to November 17, 2026.
To ensure compliance, facilities must retain clear documentary evidence of all refunds processed. This evidence will be submitted to the RCD for official verification. The Department has also addressed concerns over retaliatory measures against students. They have warned hostel managers against intimidating, threatening, harassing, penalising, or victimising tenants who question rent increases or demand refunds.
The RCD has announced that compliance officers will conduct routine inspections, review financial records, and investigate student complaints nationwide. Defaulting operators face statutory prosecution and penalties under Sections 25(1)(b), 25(1)(i), 26(1), and 27(1) of Act 220. The Department cautioned that non-compliance by the November 17 deadline will trigger swift legal and administrative enforcement actions.
The directive aims to protect students from unfair rent practices. By restoring previous rental rates and refunding excess fees, UGEL and private hostel operators can help alleviate the financial burden on students. The RCD's actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing national rent laws and ensuring that all private hostel facilities operate within the legal framework.
The University of Ghana Students' Representative Council (UGSRC) had submitted a formal petition to the RCD, highlighting the concerns of students regarding the proposed residential fees by UGEL. The petition, referenced as UGSRC/26/002, called for a review of the proposed fees. The RCD's response demonstrates its willingness to engage with stakeholders and address pressing concerns affecting students.
Key points
- The Rent Control Department has ordered UGEL and private hostel operators to suspend rent hikes and refund excess payments by November 17, 2026.
- The directive aims to protect students from unfair rent practices and ensure compliance with national rent laws.
- Non-compliance will trigger swift legal and administrative enforcement actions, including statutory prosecution and penalties.
