Govt to introduce new rent law to strengthen tenant protection

The Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Gilbert Kenneth Adjei, has announced that the government is preparing a new legal framework to reform Ghana's rent regime and address longstanding challenges in the rental housing sector.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, June 26, the Minister said the current rent laws have become outdated and no longer adequately respond to the realities of the housing market or provide sufficient protection for tenants and landlords.

He disclosed that government has begun a comprehensive review of the existing legal framework with the aim of repealing the Rent Act, 1963, as amended, and the Rent Control Law, 1986, and replacing them with a single, modern Rent Act.

“The review seeks to repeal the Rent Act 1963 as amended, together with the Rent Control Law 1986, and replace them with a modern, consolidated Rent Act. The new legal framework is designed to address the persistent constraints within the current regime, harmonize all related laws governing rental housing, and introduce appropriate incentives to stimulate private sector investment in the rental housing market,” he said.

Mr. Adjei explained that the proposed legislation is intended to enhance legal protection for tenants, particularly low income and vulnerable groups, while ensuring that the rights and legitimate interests of property owners are also safeguarded.

“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 recognizes the legitimate interest of property owners,” he added.

The Minister further revealed that work on the draft bill is at an advanced stage and that it will soon be presented to Cabinet for consideration before being laid before Parliament.