Know Your Rental Rights
Whether you are a tenant or landlord, understanding Ghana's rental laws protects you. This guide covers the Rent Control Act 1986 (PNDCL 138) and the Rent Act 1963 (Act 220).
The Laws That Protect You
The primary legislation governing rental relationships in Ghana. Covers tenant rights, eviction grounds, advance rent limits, and penalties for violations.
Established the Rent and Housing Committees at the district level. Handles lease registration, rent assessment, ejectment proceedings, and landlord-tenant complaints.
Advance Rent: Know the Law
What landlords can legally demand
This is why FieRent exists — to bring transparency and accountability to Ghana's rental market.
Your Rights as a Tenant
Quiet & Peaceful Occupation
You have the right to live in your rented property without unreasonable disturbance or interference from your landlord.
Protection from Arbitrary Rent Increases
Any rent increase requires Rent Control Department approval. You cannot be evicted for refusing an unauthorized increase.
Written Notice Before Eviction
Landlords must follow legal eviction procedures. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal.
Return of Security Deposit
Landlords must return your security deposit when the tenancy ends, minus legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear.
Right to Legal Redress
You can file complaints with the Rent Control Department for free. Cases are typically resolved within 4-8 weeks.
Right to Privacy
Your landlord cannot enter your rented space without reasonable notice and consent, except in emergencies.
Landlord Obligations Under the Law
Provide Habitable Conditions
Maintain structural soundness, adequate ventilation and lighting, and ensure access to basic amenities (water, electricity).
Register All Leases
Register each lease with the Rent and Housing Committee within 14 days (Section 4, PNDCL 138). Failure prevents rent collection.
Issue Rent Cards
Provide each tenant a rent card specifying the landlord's name, tenant's name, rent amount, and other required details (Section 5).
Follow Legal Eviction Procedures
Obtain a court order for eviction. Changing locks, removing belongings, or forcibly removing tenants is illegal under Ghana law.
Do Not Exceed Advance Rent Limits
Demanding more than 6 months' advance rent is a criminal offence carrying fines up to GH₵6,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years.
Eviction: Legal Grounds & Process
Valid Grounds for Eviction (Section 17, Act 220)
Required Notice Periods
| Situation | Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Non-payment (residential) | 30 days |
| Non-payment (commercial) | 6 months |
| Other breaches | 3 months |
| Landlord's own use / business use | 6 months |
| Landlord's personal occupation | 3 months |
How to File a Complaint
Rent Control Department
The Rent Control Department handles disputes between tenants and landlords free of charge. Here's the process:
File Your Complaint
Visit rentcontrol.mwh.gov.gh or call 0302 670 406
Case Assignment
You'll receive a case number within 10 days
Mediation
Conciliation sessions held within 21 days
Resolution
Most cases resolved within 4-8 weeks
Rent Control Department
Ministry of Works, Housing & Water Resources
Phone
0302 670 406
Online Portal
rentcontrol.mwh.gov.gh
Appeals
District Court within 30 days of decision (Section 14, PNDCL 138)
The digital platform operates 24/7 for filing complaints and tracking cases.
Penalties for Violations (Section 16, PNDCL 138)
A person who commits any of the following offences is liable to a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both:
- Charging rent above the prescribed amount (Section 1)
- Failing to register a lease within 14 days (Section 4)
- Failing to issue rent cards or providing false information (Section 5)
- Obstructing, hindering, or assaulting a member of a Rent and Housing Committee
- Acting with intent to compel a tenant to give up possession
Additionally, under Section 25 of the Rent Act 1963 (Act 220), demanding more than the recoverable rent is punishable by a fine up to GH₵6,000 or 2 years' imprisonment.
The Rent Bill 2023: What May Change
A new Rent Bill was laid before Parliament in March 2023. While still pending, it proposes significant reforms:
Monthly Payment Option
Would introduce the legal right for tenants to pay rent monthly instead of years in advance.
Cap Advance to 1 Year
Proposes capping advance payments at a maximum of one year (acknowledging the 6-month limit is widely flouted).
Ghana Rent Authority
Would transform the Rent Control Department into an empowered authority with stronger enforcement.
Criminal Penalties
Stronger criminal penalties for landlords who exceed stipulated advance rent limits.
Rent Smarter with FieRent
FieRent enforces transparency in every listing. Verified landlords, clear pricing, no hidden advance demands. Your rights, protected.