The Rent Control Department has invited Ghanaians to submit memoranda regarding the draft rent bill for consideration. In 2022, the Cabinet approved the draft rent bill and forwarded it to parliament for discussion.

Mr. Emmanuel Kporsu, the Public Relations Officer for Rent Control, emphasized the importance of receiving memoranda from individuals, groups, and stakeholders to refine the new rent bill.

He encouraged all concerned Ghanaians to actively participate in the review process and share their recommendations and expectations with their respective members of parliament, as the House prepares to debate the draft bill.

The proposed bill includes provisions that make it unlawful for landlords to demand rent in advance for more than one month in a monthly lease or tenancy less than one month, and for more than one year in a year tenancy exceeding one year.

Any tenant found paying rent in excess of one year after the bill becomes law will be in violation of the legislation.

Mr. Kporsu highlighted that the new bill is the result of thorough discussions and proposals, aiming to bring much-needed improvements to the rental sector.

He also pointed out that the existing rent law, enacted 59 years ago, has become outdated and needs to be replaced to better serve the current needs of tenants and landlords.

“As parliament debates the bill, we encourage Ghanaians to submit their suggestions and memoranda.”

This suggestion can be made to your MP, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Rent Control Department.

Ghanaians should take advantage of this opportunity to submit suggestions before the bill is considered and passed. We don’t want a situation where the law is approved and Ghanaians complain about not being consulted,” Mr Kporsu said.