{"id":15499,"date":"2026-03-27T11:57:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:57:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/?p=15499"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:57:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:57:39","slug":"collect-6-months-rent-or-face-prosecution-rent-control-dept-cracks-whip-on-landlords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/collect-6-months-rent-or-face-prosecution-rent-control-dept-cracks-whip-on-landlords\/","title":{"rendered":"Collect 6 Months\u2019 Rent or Face Prosecution \u2026 Rent Control Dept Cracks Whip on Landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rent Control Department has set April 1 for the full implementation of the Rent Act, 1963, as amended in 2020, warning that landlords who demand more than the stipulated six months\u2019 rent advance will be prosecuted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move forms part of efforts to enforce existing rent laws and protect tenants from the burden of excessive advance rent demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Acting Rent Commissioner,&nbsp;<strong>Mr Frederick Opoku<\/strong>, who disclosed this in an interview monitored by&nbsp;<em>The Ghanaian Times<\/em>, described the practice of charging one to two years\u2019 rent in advance as illegal and unfair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe law is clear! Advance rent should not exceed six months. We will strictly enforce it, and offenders will be prosecuted,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He noted that under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), as amended, landlords who contravene the law risk a fine of up to 500 penalty units, a prison term of up to two years, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He added that the department would collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to ensure compliance nationwide and urged tenants to report violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr Opoku emphasised that strict adherence to the law would promote fairness in the rental market and ease financial pressure on tenants, particularly in urban centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While many tenants have welcomed the move, some landlords have raised concerns ahead of the enforcement date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking to&nbsp;<em>The Ghanaian Times<\/em>&nbsp;in Accra yesterday, a trader at Madina,&nbsp;<strong>Ms Efua Mensah<\/strong>, said the directive would bring relief to tenants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSometimes landlords ask for two years\u2019 rent before you can get a room. Many people cannot raise that kind of money at once. If the six-month rule is enforced, it will help a lot,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A university graduate searching for accommodation at Kasoa,&nbsp;<strong>Mr Samuel Tetteh<\/strong>, said the policy could make it easier for young people to settle after school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen you finish school and start work, the first challenge is rent. The advance is too high. This will really help people like us,\u201d he mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A hairdresser at Lapaz,&nbsp;<strong>Ms Etornam Agbega<\/strong>, said she had recently paid a one-year advance because she urgently needed accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI didn\u2019t know about this policy. If it had come earlier, it would have helped me, but I\u2019m happy something is being done now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, a landlord at Dansoman,&nbsp;<strong>Mr Kofi Badu<\/strong>, said advance rent was often used to maintain properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMost of us depend on the advance to repair our houses or complete building projects. If it is reduced to six months, then there should be some support for landlords,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Ashaiman,&nbsp;<strong>Mrs Janet Asare<\/strong>&nbsp;cautioned that the policy could lead to higher monthly rents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf we cannot take long advances, some landlords may increase the rent to make up for it,\u201d she mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another landlord,&nbsp;<strong>Mr Francis Lartey<\/strong>, called for more public education on the directive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is the first time I\u2019m hearing about it. There should be more education so landlords understand what is required,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Click <a href=\"https:\/\/ghanaiantimes.com.gh\/collect-6-months-rent-or-face-prosecution-rent-control-dept-cracks-whip-on-landlords\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here<\/strong> <\/a>for source.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Rent Control Department has set April 1 for the full implementation of the Rent Act, 1963, as amended in 2020, warning that landlords who demand more than the stipulated six months\u2019 rent advance will be prosecuted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15500,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"yes","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[153],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-articles"],"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15367,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/prime-office-and-warehouse-space-available-for-rent-in-spintex\/","url_meta":{"origin":15499,"position":0},"title":"Prime Office and Warehouse Space Available for Rent in Spintex","author":"Michael Teye","date":"March 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Realtor & Tours Ghana is offering a prime office and warehouse facility for rent on Spintex Road in Accra. The 4-storey property includes spacious office floors, a 635 sqm warehouse, and modern facilities, making it ideal for logistics companies, corporate headquarters, and growing businesses.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Member Spotlight&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Member Spotlight","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/member-spotlight\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RealtTors-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RealtTors-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RealtTors-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RealtTors-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RealtTors-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RealtTors-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17469,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/ghanas-audit-wake-up-call-turning-reports-into-reform\/","url_meta":{"origin":15499,"position":1},"title":"Ghana\u2019s Audit Wake-Up Call: Turning Reports into Reform","author":"Paul N.","date":"July 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Ghana\u2019s 2025 Auditor-General\u2019s Report has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen public financial management, enforcement and accountability, as financial irregularities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) reached GH\u00a25.266 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025\u2014the highest figure in recent years. Tax-related irregularities accounted for GH\u00a24.802 billion, representing more than\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News Articles","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/news-articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-23.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-23.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-23.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-23.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-23.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 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https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ESQ-Elsie-47.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ESQ-Elsie-47.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ESQ-Elsie-47.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14759,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/resolving-property-market-barriers-key-to-diaspora-investment\/","url_meta":{"origin":15499,"position":3},"title":"Resolving property market barriers key to diaspora investment","author":"Michael Teye","date":"January 23, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, has called for collective action to resolve challenges in Ghana\u2019s property market, noting that reforms will unlock diaspora capital, reduce the housing deficit, create jobs and strengthen the country\u2019s investment reputation.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News Articles","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/news-articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Prp-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Prp-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Prp-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Prp-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Prp-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Prp-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13901,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/curbing-gold-smuggling-could-save-us2bn-annually-goldbod\/","url_meta":{"origin":15499,"position":4},"title":"Curbing gold smuggling could save US$2bn annually \u2013 GoldBod","author":"Michael Teye","date":"November 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"With illegal gold trading and smuggling estimated to be draining about US$2billion from national coffers each year, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) says tackling the menace could recover significant lost revenue and strengthen the country\u2019s gold export earnings.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News Articles","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/news-articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cocobod.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cocobod.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cocobod.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cocobod.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cocobod.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16565,"url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/inflation-climbs-to-5-3-as-non-food-prices-drive-uptick\/","url_meta":{"origin":15499,"position":5},"title":"Inflation climbs to 5.3% as non-food prices drive uptick\u00a0","author":"Paul N.","date":"July 2, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Ghana\u2019s inflation rose to 5.3% in June 2026 from 3.7% in May, marking a third straight monthly increase, though still well below 13.7% a year ago. The rise was driven mainly by non-food inflation (6.3%) and higher prices of locally produced goods, while food inflation edged up to 3.9%. Transport,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News Articles&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News Articles","link":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/category\/news-articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-11.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-11.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-11.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-11.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ESQ-Elsie-11.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rent-control-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15499"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15499\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15501,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15499\/revisions\/15501"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gnbcc.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}