Tenants Must Report Landlords Demanding Illegal Rent Advance – John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has called on tenants across Ghana to report landlords who demand rent advances beyond what is permitted by law, stressing the need for stricter enforcement to address exploitation in the housing sector.
He made this appeal during a meeting with Organised Labour at Jubilee House on Tuesday, March 17, where he highlighted the growing burden of housing costs on households.
Rising Cost of Accommodation
According to the President, the rising cost of accommodation continues to consume a significant portion of people’s income, making it increasingly difficult for many Ghanaians to secure affordable housing. He emphasised the need for a national housing dialogue that would bring together government, the private sector, and labour groups to develop a sustainable social housing policy.
Such a policy, he explained, should aim to ensure that workers can access affordable housing, whether through mortgage arrangements or rental options.
President Mahama attributed the widespread demand for excessive rent advances to Ghana’s housing deficit. He noted that the shortage of available housing has created an opportunity for some landlords to take advantage of tenants by imposing unlawful charges.
Ghana’s Rent Law
He pointed out that Ghana’s rent law clearly states that landlords are not allowed to charge more than six months’ rent in advance. However, both tenants and landlords often fail to seek redress through the rent court, allowing the practice to persist.
“The reason private house owners are taking advantage is because of the housing deficit,” he explained, adding that although the rent court exists to handle such issues, it is underutilised.
The President urged tenants to take action by reporting landlords who violate the law to the appropriate authorities, particularly the rent court. He assured the public that such reports would be taken seriously and that offenders would be held accountable.
His comments come at a time of growing public concern over the increasing practice of landlords demanding up to two years’ rent in advance—an act widely criticised as both unlawful and exploitative.
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring fairness in the housing sector, urging all stakeholders to work together toward lasting solutions.
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