Like any capital city, Accra is experiencing a massive housing deficit. To exacerbate the situation, there is constant increase urbanization which means these urban dwellers needs shelter. The situation is no different in other 3 rapid growing regional capitals which include Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi.

 

As circumstances will have it, when demand exceed unsupplied housing, influences rent hike and slumlords. Most landlords take advantage or the aggravation situation to  demand high rents and unfavourable lease terms. In this post I  will discuss about everything you need to know as tenant or landlord. Let’s get started.

 

The rules and regulations for tenants in Ghana favours both the landlord and the tenant. Ghana rent control laws section 17 of the rent act of 1963,Ghana (Act 220) the following are Ghana rent control laws on eviction and condition that can trigger ejection of tenant from a property.

 

1. In instances where the tenant has failed to make a lawful payment of rent within one month of the due date.

 

2. When the tenant or any individual residing with them engages in disruptive or bothersome behavior that disturbs neighboring occupants.

 

3. If the tenant or anyone residing with them has been convicted of using the property for immoral or illegal activities.

 

4. When, in the judgment of a Magistrate or Judge, the condition of the premises has deteriorated due to acts of damage, neglect, or non-compliance by the tenant or any resident.

 

5. In cases where the tenant has provided written notice of their intention to vacate, and as a result, the landlord has entered into agreements to sell or lease the property, causing significant harm, as determined by the Magistrate or Judge.

 

6. When the landlord requires the premises for personal residential use by themselves, a family member, or a full-time employee, with the property originally designed for residential purposes.

 

7. If the property was initially leased to the tenant due to their employment with the landlord, and such employment has come to an end.

 

The legal process for evicting a tenant in Ghana

 

That begs a question, how many months do you give a tenant to move out in Ghana legally  if the above mentioned is applicable to him/her?

1. Serve a thirty day notice from date of due rent when tenant defaults payment.
2. For commercial properties, tenants defaulting in payment of rent shall be served a notice for six months from date of due rent.
3. After this an eviction order can be sought against the tenant

Read also:Renting vs Buying a Home in Ghana Which is Better? Check this

 

If you feel you are unjustfully evicted you can apply to the authorities to sanction that ejection. Thank you goodness for the rent control department under the Ministry of works and Housing  is here there to help. Tenants can contact them to address their grievances.

 

Rent control department Contact details
P. O. Box 1590,
Accra, Ghana
Tel.  0302 670 406/ 0302 670 399
Location: Behind Ghana Health Service Head Office

Read also: House For Rent in Ghana: How much is average  Rent in Accra?

 

 

What are the obligations of a Landlord in Ghana?

1. Rent Card Requirement: Landlords are legally obligated to provide tenants with a monthly rent card. This card must contain essential details, including the names and addresses of both the landlord and the tenant, the rent amount due, and other pertinent information. This requirement is explicitly outlined in Section 20 of the Rent Act of 1963 (Act 220) and Section 5 of the Rent Control Law of 1986 (PNDCL 138).

 

2. Compensation for Property Improvements: In cases where a landlord allows a tenant to make improvements to the rental property, the landlord must provide compensation. It is advisable for both tenants and landlords to establish a written agreement detailing the proposed improvements and expected benefits. This practice is supported by Section 21 of the Rent Act of 1963 (Act 220).

 

3. Control of Subletting: Before a tenant can sublet the rental property, the landlord’s knowledge and approval are required. Without the landlord’s consent, subletting is considered illegal. This stipulation can also be found in Section 22 of the Rent Act.

 

4. Notice of Termination: If a landlord intends for a tenant to vacate the premises at the end of the rental period, the landlord must serve notice to the tenant. This requirement is outlined in Section 23 of the Rent Act.

 

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And there you have it. If this post was helpful share with your network. That  is not a big ask.