The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has announced that a nationwide Rent Card system will be launched on March 1.
He said the card will be mandatory for both landlords and tenants to obtain one.
According to Mr. Opoku, the initiative is grounded in Section 20 of the Rent Act, as amended under PNDC Law 136 Section 5. He explained that the law requires landlords to issue tenants a formal rent card containing essential details including the names of both parties, emergency contact information, the agreed rent, and any subsequent changes.
Speaking On Onua FM on February 23, he cautioned that any landlord who increases rent without the involvement or approval of the Rent Control Department would be committing a criminal offence, further warning against the illegal practice of demanding excessive rent advances from tenants.
“Landlords are required by law to provide a valid reason for any rent increase they implement. We are forming a rent task force alongside rent inspectors; we refuse to stand by and allow the issues related to rent to worsen. No individual in this country is entitled to request an advance exceeding six months; it is a crime, and we will come for you.” Mr. Opoku stated.
Mr. Opoku noted that rent increments are often justified when landlords undertake substantial improvements to their properties. However, he emphasized that increases are unjustifiable when essential structural defects remain unresolved.
“Increasing rental prices often indicate that the landlord has made improvements to the building’s facilities. However, it is unreasonable to raise rent when essential issues, such as a leaking roof, remain unresolved and there are no convenient amenities available,” he added.
The introduction of the Rent Card forms part of broader efforts by the Rent Control Department to regulate Ghana’s rental housing sector, promote transparency, and protect both tenants and landlords under existing housing laws.
