No tenancy agreement? Landlords could face GH¢3,000 fine or jail term
The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has warned that landlords who fail to provide and register tenancy agreements with the Rent Control Department could face sanctions, including fines of about GH¢3,000 or up to six months imprisonment.
According to him, Ghana’s rent laws make it mandatory for landlords to issue tenancy agreements to tenants and ensure such agreements are registered within a stipulated period.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on Thursday, May 8, Mr Opoku explained that the requirement was clearly outlined under Section 4 of the Rent Act, PNDC Law 138 of 1986.
He said the law requires landlords to register tenancy agreements with the Rent Control Department within 14 days after the agreement has been signed.
Mr Opoku stressed that failure to comply with the provision constitutes a breach of the law and undermines efforts to regulate Ghana’s rental housing sector effectively.
“It is illegal for a landlord not to provide a tenancy agreement,” he stated.
The Acting Rent Commissioner explained that the purpose of the law was to ensure proper documentation of rental arrangements and provide legal protection for both landlords and tenants in the event of disputes.
According to him, the Rent Control Department relies on such agreements as official records when handling conflicts relating to rent payments, tenancy conditions or alleged breaches of agreements.
“The idea behind the law is for the department to keep records of rental transactions so that when misunderstandings arise between landlords and tenants, there is a signed agreement to determine whether any party has breached the terms,” he explained.
Mr Opoku’s comments form part of ongoing efforts by the Rent Control Department to improve compliance within Ghana’s housing sector and strengthen protections for tenants and property owners alike.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns over informal rental arrangements, arbitrary rent practices and disputes between landlords and tenants in various parts of the country.
