For decades, tenants across Ghana have been forced to cough up one year, two years, or even five years’ rent upfront before getting the keys to a room. That era may finally be ending. 

 

The Rent Control Department has begun a nationwide crackdown on landlords who demand more than six months’ rent in advance, with offenders now facing prosecution, fines, or jail time.

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Recently, the Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, told The Ghanaian that collecting more than six months’ advance rent is a criminal offense under Ghana’s Rent Act, and the Department will no longer look on unconcerned. He emphatically stressed that, “From April 1, 2026, we are enforcing the law to the letter,” Mr. Opoku said. “Any landlord who violates it will be prosecuted.”

 

This is a bold statement that must be backed by real actions to protect tenants across the country,

 

"Not a New Law Just New Enforcement".


The six-month cap is not new. Section 25(5) of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), as amended by PNDC Law 5, has always limited advance rent to six months for tenancies longer than six months, and two months for shorter tenancies.

 

What has changed is enforcement. A special Rent Taskforce, wearing yellow uniforms, is now operating with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies across the country.

 

Landlords who walk into Rent Control offices without proof of issuing Rent Cards to their tenants are being turned away. “No Rent Cards, no service,” a Rent Control official in Accra confirmed. This is the most pragmatic approach to solving this problem. However, there has been little or no education of the masses to know their rights in relation to rent.

 

Under the law, landlords who breach the six-month rule risks a fine of up to 500 penalty units, a prison term of up to two years, or both.

 

It is refreshing to see President John Dramani Mahama also weighed in this issue, urging residents to ensure obeying rules that will guarantee peace and tranquility.