The Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Gilbert Kenneth Adjei, has indicated that the government is taking steps to reform Ghana’s rent regulatory framework to reflect current realities in the housing sector.
He told Parliament on Friday, June 26, that existing rent laws are outdated and no longer provide sufficient protection for tenants or clear guidelines for landlords.
According to him, the government has begun a comprehensive review aimed at repealing the Rent Act, 1963 (as amended) and the Rent Control Law, 1986, and replacing them with a modern, consolidated 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.
Adjei noted that the proposed legislation will strengthen protections for low-income and vulnerable tenants, while also ensuring a fair balance between tenants and property owners.
“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.
He further indicated that the draft bill is at an advanced stage and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration soon.
