Landlords, hostel operators face jail time for failing to issue rent cards— Acting Commissioner warns

The Acting Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has issued a stern directive to all landlords and private hostel operators across Ghana, demanding that they immediately prepare and issue official rent cards to tenants or risk prosecution, imprisonment, and hefty fines.

Addressing a press conference in Sunyani on Thursday, Mr. Opoku declared that the issuance of rent cards and the signing of formal tenancy agreements are not optional but mandatory under the country’s rental laws. He warned that non-compliant landlords and hostel owners would be prosecuted in accordance with Section 20 of the Rent Act (Act 220) and the PNDC Law 138 (Act 1986), which govern landlord-tenant relations.

“Any landlord or hostel operator who fails to issue rent cards or tenancy agreement documents to tenants is in breach of the law,” Mr. Opoku said. He added that offenders are liable to a minimum fine of 200 penalty units—currently equivalent to approximately GH¢24,000—or a prison term of six months, or both.

Protecting Tenants from Exploitation

The directive is aimed at curbing widespread abuses in the rental market, where many tenants—particularly university students in private hostels—are often subjected to arbitrary rent hikes, unfair charges, and the absence of any formal record of their tenancy. Rent cards serve as official documentation of payment history, lease duration, and agreed terms, giving tenants legal recourse in disputes.

Mr. Opoku urged tenants and students to be proactive: “Insist on proper documentation and receipts from your landlords, and keep those documents as evidence. These receipts are required to enable the Rent Control Department to monitor and check unlawful and unfair rent and hostel charges.”

He emphasised that the Rent Control Department has the oversight responsibility to regulate, supervise, and assess all private hostel operations to ensure they comply with the law. “Section 2 of the Rent Act mandates the Commissioner to enforce the law,” he noted, advising landlords to “do the right thing in order not to find trouble for themselves.”

A Call for Affordable Student Housing

Beyond enforcement, Mr. Opoku appealed to the government to prioritise the construction of affordable housing facilities for university students. He argued that the proliferation of private hostels charging exorbitant fees—often beyond the reach of many families—has placed an undue financial burden on students and their parents.

“The government must step in to provide affordable, safe, and well-regulated accommodation for students,” he said. “This will not only ease the pressure on families but also introduce competition that can force private operators to moderate their charges.”

Background: A Persistent Housing Challenge

The Rent Control Department, established under the Rent Act 1963 (Act 220), is the state agency tasked with mediating landlord-tenant disputes, regulating rent levels, and ensuring fair practices. Over the years, the department has struggled with inadequate staffing and limited public awareness, leaving many tenants vulnerable to exploitation.

Recent years have seen a surge in private hostel construction around public universities, particularly in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. While these hostels fill a critical gap, complaints of arbitrary rent increases, poor maintenance, and lack of written agreements have grown. The directive to issue rent cards is seen as a major step toward formalising this informal sector and giving tenants a clear paper trail.

The Commissioner’s warning comes ahead of the upcoming academic year, when thousands of students will be seeking accommodation. By insisting on rent cards and tenancy agreements, the Rent Control Department aims to pre-empt disputes and ensure that both parties are held accountable. Tenants are encouraged to report any landlord who refuses to comply with the new order to the nearest Rent Control office.