Ghana’s rental housing system is set for a major overhaul as the government moves to replace existing rent laws with a new consolidated legal framework aimed at addressing challenges in the sector.
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gilbert Kenneth Adjei, disclosed in Parliament on Friday, June 26, that the current Rent Act, 1963, and Rent Control Law, 1986, have become outdated and no longer match the changing dynamics of Ghana’s housing environment.
According to the Minister, the proposed legislation will introduce a more comprehensive approach to rental housing by streamlining existing laws, tackling persistent gaps in the current system and creating conditions to attract greater private sector participation.
“The new legal framework is designed to address the persistent constraints within the current regime, harmonise all related laws governing rental housing, and introduce appropriate incentives to stimulate private sector investment in the rental housing market,” he said, according to a report.
Mr Adjei explained that the reforms are also focused on creating a fairer system for both tenants and landlords by strengthening protections for vulnerable renters while ensuring property owners’ rights are recognised.
He said the new law will provide safeguards against unfair rental practices, sudden rent hikes and other forms of abuse that have affected tenants under the existing arrangement.
“The proposed legislation will uphold and strengthen protections for low-income and vulnerable tenants. It is structured to guard against abuse, arbitrary rent increases and unfair rental practices, while at the same time ensuring a balanced framework that recognises the legitimate interests of property owners,” he stated.
The Minister revealed that work on the draft legislation has reached an advanced stage and will soon be presented to Cabinet for approval before it is introduced in Parliament for consideration during the second session.
