Acting Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has warned rental agents and brokers against charging tenants fees exceeding the legally permitted 5% of the annual rent, describing demands for 10% as unlawful.

He said the Rent Control Department would work with the Real Estate Agency Council to clamp down on agents who violate the law.

Speaking at a press conference, Opoku cited Section 25(1) of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), which prohibits agents, brokers and intermediaries from charging more than 5% of the annual rent for their tenancy procurement services.

“Agents who take 10% is unlawful and that they need to be criminalised,” he stated.

Today in History: It's criminal for agents to charge more than 5% of tenants' rent - Rent Control

He added that the department would intensify efforts to remove unqualified operators from the rental market.

Opoku questioned why tenants should bear the cost of brokerage arrangements between landlords and agents, arguing that agents often approach property owners to secure houses for rent.

“The question is, have the tenants in any way contracted the property to give out?” he asked, insisting that tenants should not be unfairly burdened by charges arising from arrangements they did not initiate.

The Rent Commissioner also announced plans to strengthen enforcement of rental regulations, including the mandatory issuance of rent cards.

He said Section 20 of Act 220 requires landlords of premises under monthly or shorter tenancies to issue rent cards within seven days of the start of the tenancy.

According to him, from 2027, hostel facilities providing accommodation to students will also be required to issue rent cards and comply with the department’s assessment requirements.

Opoku further warned landlords against forcibly removing tenants, changing locks, taking out their belongings or disconnecting essential utilities to compel them to leave rented premises.

“Ownership of the rental property does not confer an unrestricted right to remove a tenant outside lawful procedures,” he said.

He explained that landlords seeking to recover their properties must follow the legal procedures provided under the Rent Act.

The department intends to strengthen the monitoring and investigation of complaints about unlawful eviction from 2027, working with the Ghana Police Service, the judiciary and relevant local authorities.

Opoku also urged tenants to fulfil their lawful obligations, including paying rent when due, and encouraged both landlords and tenants to respect the law.

He advised tenants to report suspected violations through the appropriate official channels.



NA/VPO