Verify residence permits before renting to foreigners — GIS warns landlords

The Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in charge of Operations, Mr. Faisal Disu, has cautioned landlords against renting their properties to foreigners without proper documentation.

Speaking on the legal framework for renting to non-citizens, Mr. Disu explained that not all foreigners in Ghana have the same residency status. Some enter the country on a visitor’s permit, which allows them to stay for up to two months and can be extended for an additional two to three months. He stressed that landlords should not rent out their properties to such short-term visitors.

For long-term rentals, typically lasting one year or more, Mr. Disu said landlords must only deal with foreigners who hold a valid residence permit issued by the Ghana Immigration Service. These permits are generally valid for six months to one year and serve as proof that the holder intends to reside in Ghana legally.

He urged landlords to make it a standard practice to request and verify a foreigner’s residence permit before entering into any rental agreement. “This should be the basis for any rental agreement. It should not be business as usual,” he emphasized.

Mr. Disu also raised concerns about the misuse of rented properties for criminal activities. He disclosed that the GIS has intercepted cases where up to 57 foreign nationals were found living in a single house and using it for illegal operations, including cyber fraud.

The Deputy Comptroller-General warned that landlords could also face legal consequences if their properties are used to facilitate crime. “If your property is used to commit a crime, you may also be held accountable,” he said, calling on property owners to exercise caution.

To support landlords, Mr. Disu said GIS offices are open in every regional capital and most district capitals to assist with verification. He advised anyone unsure about a tenant’s status to contact the nearest GIS office before finalizing a rental agreement.

He urged landlords to conduct thorough due diligence before renting to foreigners, stressing that compliance is key to safeguarding both property and national security.