Renting property in Ghana: rights of landlords and tenants

Residential tenancies in Ghana are governed mainly by the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220). The Rent Control Department handles many landlord and tenant complaints.

Rent advance

The Rent Act limits how much rent a landlord may demand in advance. In practice larger advances are common, but a tenant who pays one does so outside the protection of the Act.

Eviction needs a lawful ground

A landlord cannot simply lock a tenant out. Recovering possession requires one of the grounds set out in the Act, such as unpaid rent or breach of the tenancy terms, and an order of the Rent Magistrate or court.

Put the tenancy in writing

A written tenancy agreement should state the rent, the term, what the rent covers, who pays for repairs and utilities, and how either side can end the tenancy.

Resolving a dispute

Complaints can be made to the Rent Control Department, which can mediate and assess rent. Some disputes proceed to the Rent Magistrate's Court.

Sources

1. Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220)
2. Rent Control Department, Ministry of Works and Housing
3. GhaLII, Ghana Legal Information Institute (texts of Ghanaian statutes and judgments)

This article is general information about Ghanaian law, not legal advice. Speak to a lawyer about your own situation.