<p>According to the Department, the practice of collecting one or two years’ rent advance, which has become common in many urban centres, contravenes provisions of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), as amended. The law stipulates that for residential tenancies exceeding six months, landlords are prohibited from demanding more than six months’ rent in advance.</p><p>Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku has stressed that the Department is committed to enforcing the law and protecting tenants from exploitative rental practices. He noted that landlords who violate the law risk sanctions, including fines and possible imprisonment upon conviction.</p><p>“The law is clear. Advance rent should not exceed six months. We will strictly enforce it, and offenders will be prosecuted,” the Commissioner reportedly stated.</p><p>The renewed enforcement drive comes amid growing public concern over Ghana’s housing challenges, particularly the burden of large upfront rent payments that many tenants struggle to afford. In major cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Tema, it remains common for prospective tenants to be asked to pay between one and two years’ rent in advance despite existing legal restrictions.</p><p>Beyond the six-month rent advance rule, the Rent Control Department is also encouraging tenants and landlords to formalise tenancy arrangements through proper documentation and registration. Authorities say tenancy registration strengthens legal protection for both parties and provides an official record for resolving disputes.</p><p>The Department has further urged tenants to report landlords who demand illegal rent advances or engage in unfair rental practices. Officials believe stronger compliance with tenancy regulations will help reduce disputes, promote transparency and improve confidence in Ghana’s rental housing market.</p><p>Housing advocates have welcomed the renewed enforcement measures but argue that sustained monitoring and public education will be necessary to ensure compliance. They note that although the law has existed for decades, weak enforcement has allowed unlawful rent advance demands to persist.</p><p>Meanwhile, discussions on broader rental sector reforms continue, with stakeholders calling for policies that balance tenant protection with incentives for private investment in housing.</p><p>For many tenants, the latest warning signals a potential turning point in efforts to address one of Ghana’s most persistent housing challenges—the widespread demand for excessive rent advances.</p><p>Photo credit: Modern Ghana</p>