The rent puzzle in Ghana continues to pose serious challenges for many citizens, as laws concerning homeowners and tenants are not properly enforced for various reasons.

Like other sectors of the economy, rent prices rose astronomically during the 2022 economic meltdown. Since then, prices have remained on an upward trajectory despite a general rebound in the economy.

One major challenge renters face is the outrageous commissions charged by agents who assist in the search for accommodation.

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Even after securing a room, many tenants experience arbitrary rent increases by landlords, often without any improvements being made to the property.

But what does the law actually say about rent increases in Ghana?

According to the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), enforced by the Rent Control Department, landlords can increase rent but only under strict legal conditions.

The law stipulates that a landlord cannot arbitrarily increase rent without first applying to the Rent Control Department. After the application, the Rent Control Department will assess whether the proposed increase is justified and then issue a certificate of assessment.

The landlord must also serve the tenant with a written notice (in the official form), clearly stating the current rent amount, the proposed new amount, the difference (increase), and the date when the new rent will take effect.

Additionally, rent can only be reviewed or increased after three years of the existing rent arrangement, unless major improvements or modifications have been made to the property.

Tenants also have the right to contest rent increases. If a tenant feels that an increase is unfair, they may report it to the Rent Control Department for investigation. If unresolved, the matter may be taken to a Rent Magistrate’s Court.

Therefore, without approval from Rent Control, without a proper written notice to tenants, or before the three-year minimum interval (unless justified by significant property improvements), landlords cannot legally increase rent in Ghana. They also cannot impose arbitrary increments that do not reflect the property’s condition or value.

SSD/MA

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