The Acting Rent Commissioner, Fredrick Opoku, has cautioned landlords and hostel operators across Ghana to comply with the country’s rent laws, stressing that the Rent Control Department is the only institution with the legal authority to approve rent increases or reductions.
Speaking on Bryt Adekyee mu Nsem on Bryt FM, Mr. Opoku revealed that about three months ago his office received petitions concerning the increase in hostel accommodation fees. Following the complaints, he embarked on monitoring visits to several tertiary institutions, including the University of Ghana (Legon), the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Central University, and other institutions.
According to him, the purpose of the visits was not to accuse or intimidate hostel operators but to educate them on the provisions of the Rent Act, particularly Section 10, which requires every landlord to seek approval from the Rent Control Department before increasing rent.
He explained that any landlord intending to review rent must first notify the department and justify the reasons for the proposed increment. The Rent Control Department will then determine whether the increase is lawful.
Mr. Opoku noted that while government-owned properties are governed by different administrative arrangements, privately owned hostels and rental properties are fully subject to the Rent Act and must comply with its provisions.
He urged landlords and hostel operators to respect the law to avoid sanctions, emphasizing that the department is committed to protecting both property owners and tenants through lawful and transparent rent regulation.If you’d like, I can also make this into a radio news script.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
