We're pushing for specialized courts to enforce rent laws — Rent Commissioner

The Commissioner of the Rent Control Department, Frederick Opoku, has disclosed that his outfit is pursuing the establishment of specialized courts to deal with rent-related disputes and enforce the country's rent laws.

According to him, the department has formally engaged the Judicial Service and written to the Chief Justice to consider setting up dedicated rent courts to expedite the handling of cases.

The Rent Commissioner also announced that the department will begin an extensive nationwide enforcement exercise from October to address increasing violations of rent regulations.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, June 22, Mr. Opoku said the department cannot effectively enforce the law without stronger collaboration with key state institutions.

"We met the Judicial Secretary and the team, and we are asking them to give us a rent court to fast-track actions, so that when issues come, these rent control matters go to a rent court," he said.

"By October, we are going to see an enforcement like it has never happened before," he added.

He expressed optimism that the Chief Justice would support the initiative, arguing that housing and rent issues deserve the same urgency given to other national concerns.

Mr. Opoku revealed that the department has also engaged several institutions, including the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Police Service, to support enforcement efforts.

He, however, publicly appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to respond to a letter his office sent several months ago seeking collaboration.

The Rent Commissioner said landlords who rent properties to foreign nationals without valid documentation would also come under scrutiny during the upcoming exercise.

According to him, immigration officers will participate in the operations to ensure compliance with immigration laws and tenancy regulations.

He further called on the Ghana Revenue Authority to collaborate with the department to improve revenue mobilisation within the rental sector.

The Rent Control Department has in recent months intensified stakeholder engagements as part of efforts to improve compliance with existing rent laws and address growing concerns over rent advances and housing challenges in the country.