Understanding Ghana’s Rent Act: Know your rights as a tenant

Renting a home in Ghana is challenging, especially with landlords demanding up to two years of rent in advance—despite the law clearly stating otherwise.

Ghana’s Rent Act is designed to protect tenants, but poor enforcement means many still face unfair treatment.

Here’s what you need to know about your rights and how to navigate rental challenges.

Key Protections Under the Rent Act

1. Advance Rent Limits

The Law: Landlords cannot demand more than six months’ rent in advance. A payment plan must be included in the tenancy agreement.

Reality: Many landlords still request one to two years upfront, making renting unaffordable for many Ghanaians.

2. Rent Increases

The Law: Any rent adjustment must be reasonable and approved by the Rent Control Department.
Reality: Some landlords randomly raise rent without following legal procedures.

3. Evictions

The Law: A landlord must provide proper notice and follow legal steps before evicting a tenant.
Reality: Many tenants face sudden evictions, especially when landlords want to charge higher rent.

4. Security Deposits

The Law: Landlords can request security deposits but must return them if no damages occur.
Reality: Some landlords refuse to refund deposits, leaving tenants with little recourse.

The Problem: Poor Enforcement

Despite these laws, enforcement remains weak. Many tenants don’t know their rights, while landlords act without fear of penalties.

The Way Forward

✅ Stronger Rent Control enforcement to ensure landlords follow the law.
✅ More awareness for tenants so they can assert their rights.
✅ Easier reporting systems for tenants facing unfair treatment.

Until these changes happen, tenants must stay informed and push for stronger protections.

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