The government has begun a comprehensive review of Ghana's rental housing legal framework, with plans to repeal the Rent Act, 1963, and the Rent Control Law, 1986, and replace them with a modern, consolidated Rent Act.
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gilbert Kenneth Adjei, announced in Parliament on Friday, June 26, that the existing rent laws are outdated and no longer adequately reflect the realities of Ghana's evolving housing sector.
He explained that the proposed legislation is intended to address long-standing challenges within the current regime, harmonise laws governing rental housing, and introduce incentives to encourage private sector investment in the rental housing market.
"The new legal framework is designed to address the persistent constraints within the current regime, harmonise all related laws governing rental housing, and introduce appropriate incentives to stimulate private sector investment in the rental housing market," he said.
Mr Adjei further indicated that the proposed law will strengthen protections for low-income and vulnerable tenants by guarding against arbitrary rent increases, abuse, and unfair rental practices, while also safeguarding the legitimate interests of 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 recognises the legitimate interests of property owners," he stated.
The Minister disclosed that drafting of the new legislation is at an advanced stage and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for approval before being laid before Parliament for consideration during the second session.
