The Rent Control Department (RCD) has issued a nationwide directive ordering University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL) and all private hostel operators to immediately suspend all unassessed residential fee increases, restore previous rental rates, and refund excess fees collected from students by November 17, 2026.
The directive follows a formal petition submitted by the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) titled “Petition for the Review of Proposed Residential Fees by University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL)” (Reference: UGSRC/26/002).
In a press release signed by Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku and issued by Corporate Affairs Head Sylvia Kenou, the regulatory body clarified that labelling premises as “student accommodation” or “private hostels” does not exempt operators from national rent laws.
Under Section 1 of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) and Sections 1 and 2 of the Rent Control Act, 1986 (PNDCL 138), all private hostel facilities falling under the legal framework must strictly comply with state assessment regulations before implementing any rent adjustments.
Key Directives to UGEL and Hostel Operators
1. Immediate Rate Freeze: Operators are ordered to halt the collection of unapproved rent increases and revert to previous fee structures until official statutory assessment processes are completed.
2. Mandatory 14-Day Refund Window: Operators must calculate and refund all excess amounts paid by student tenants above the previous rates. The refund period runs from November 3 to November 17, 2026.
3. Strict Audit & Proof of Compliance: Facilities must retain clear documentary evidence of all refunds processed, which will be submitted to the RCD for official verification.
Protection Against Victimisation and Intimidation
Addressing widespread concerns over retaliatory measures, the Department issued a stern warning against hostel managers who resort to intimidation, harassment, or eviction threats against students questioning price hikes or demanding refunds.
“Operators are strictly warned against intimidating, threatening, harassing, penalising or victimising tenants who question rent increases, seek refunds or report suspected violations,” the statement said. This violates Section 27(1) of Act 220.
Nationwide Enforcement and Penalties
The RCD announced that compliance officers will conduct routine inspections, review financial records, and investigate student complaints across campuses 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.
Ishmael Oduro Acheampong
