The Rent Control Department (RCD) has announced a significant tightening of enforcement of Ghana’s rent laws, effective August 17, 2026, following a directive from Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku. This directive represents a substantial shift in how rent control is administered across the country. The RCD has issued landlords until November 30, 2026, to register tenancies and property records with the Department, a move prompted by growing concerns about transparency, accountability, and tenant protection within the rental sector. The RCD’s statement, released on Monday, August 10, emphasizes the importance of establishing a system where landlords demonstrate compliance with mandatory rent-card requirements when accessing services from the Department. Specifically, the RCD has mandated landlords to issue tenants with a rent card within seven days of the commencement of a tenancy. This card must include the names and addresses of both the landlord and tenant, along with the amount of rent payable. The Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), which governs rent laws, establishes this requirement, with Section 20(1) stipulating that landlords of monthly or shorter-term rentals must issue tenants a rent card within seven days. The RCD has previously stated that the requirement for rent cards is not a new policy, but a statutory obligation stemming from existing rent laws. A crucial aspect of the new regulations is the provision for the RCD to conduct a financial probe into the bribery scandal involving Asante Berko, a major real estate developer, which began with the 2026/2027 academic year. The RCD’s mandate extends beyond simply enforcing the law; it includes issuing warnings to landlords who fail to comply, potentially leading to applications for administrative services being declined or delayed until the requirements are adequately addressed. The Department has issued a clear warning to landlords to proactively register their tenancy and lease agreements with the RCD, emphasizing that failure to do so could result in adverse consequences, including deferred administrative services or rejection of applications. Landlords are also required to provide evidence of having complied with the rent-card requirement when accessing services from the Department. The RCD has clarified that student accommodation providers are not automatically exempt from rent-control regulations simply because they operate hostels, a development implemented with the 2026/2027 academic year. The Department intends to engage tertiary institutions, student representative bodies, hostel associations, local authorities, and other regulators to facilitate the implementation of these requirements. The RCD is taking a precautionary approach, initially focusing on educating landlords and hostel operators and taking appropriate action against persistent violations. They will progressively intensify monitoring, inspections, registration, and compliance activities nationwide. However, the initial phase will prioritize education and giving landlords sufficient time to rectify any existing issues. The RCD stated that it would adopt an education-first but enforcement-backed approach, giving landlords and hostel operators reasonable opportunity to rectify their affairs while taking appropriate action against persistent or deliberate violations of the law. The Department’s actions are part of a broader effort to promote responsible property management and improve tenant protection within the rental sector. According to the Department, proper documentation of rental arrangements will improve accountability, facilitate dispute resolution, and strengthen tenant protection. The RCD’s commitment to this includes a rigorous review of current practices to ensure the new regulations are effective and achieve the desired outcomes. The Department will also be conducting a thorough assessment of the impact of these regulations on the rental market and adjusting strategies as needed.
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Source: Adom Online
