The Principal Executive Officer of the Western Regional Rent Control Department, Courage Cornelius Sonu, has counselled property owners to incorporate security deposit provisions into tenancy agreements.
His remarks follow complaints from landlords in the Western Region regarding increasing cases of rent default, where tenants fail to pay for extended periods and refuse to vacate rented premises.
Speaking on the Tuesday, May 5, 2026 edition of Connect FM’s Morning Show, Omanbapa, Mr. Sonu responded to concerns raised by callers seeking clarity on lawful remedies available to landlords.
One caller complained that a tenant had defaulted on rent payments for five months and questioned whether forceful eviction was permissible under current rent regulations.
Citing the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), Mr. Sonu explained that recovery of possession must follow due process and cannot be executed through self-help measures.
“Under the Act, a property owner may seek recovery of possession where there is non-payment of rent, subject to statutory procedures, including notice requirements and, where necessary, recourse to the Rent Control Department or the courts”
He further advised that tenancy agreements could include provisions for a refundable security deposit. According to him, such a clause will allow a landlord to collect an additional amount, commonly up to three months’ rent, as security, separate from advance rent payments permitted under the law. The Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) places limits on rent advance demands while not prohibiting security arrangements agreed upon within a tenancy contract.
“For example, when you are drafting your tenancy agreement, you can include a provision for a security deposit of three months. This is distinct from the rent advance permitted under the law,” he stated.
Mr. Sonu indicated that such deposits may serve as a financial safeguard in instances of default, while the landlord initiates the statutory eviction process.
On enforcement, he reiterated that a tenant’s failure to pay rent – even for one month – constitutes grounds upon which a landlord may apply for recovery of possession, in accordance with procedures outlined under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), including the issuance of valid notice.
He also cautioned property owners against converting residential properties into hostels or boarding facilities without prior authorization from the Ghana Tourism Authority, noting that such conversions require regulatory approval.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
