The Acting Rent Commissioner, Fredrick Opoku, has warned landlords across the country to comply with rent card regulations by April 1, 2026, or risk losing the legal backing of the Rent Control Department in tenancy disputes.

He explained that the directive was first issued on February 25 as part of ongoing reforms within the department.

Speaking with Ama Konadu in an interview ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show at Sompa FM-Sunyani, Mr. Opoku said that landlords who have failed to issue rent cards to tenants especially those who have occupied their properties for several years must visit the Rent Control office immediately to obtain the required forms and regularize their documentation.

Legal Basis

Mr. Opoku clarified that the rent card policy is not a new initiative but an existing legal requirement under the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

He cited the Rent Act of 1963, Act 220, and PNDC Law 138 of 1986 as the two laws currently governing house rent in Ghana. According to him, Section 20 of the Rent Act, 1963, and Section 5 of PNDC Law 138 both make provision for the issuance of rent cards.

“I am not the one bringing the reform; the law already provides for it,” he stressed.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

The Acting Rent Commissioner emphasized that landlords who fail to issue rent cards cannot seek redress at the Rent Control office when tenancy disputes arise.

He added that such landlords also cannot legally demand payment of rent arrears if tenants refuse to pay.

He further cautioned that property owners cannot arbitrarily determine or increase rent charges without approval from the Rent Control Department.

“No landlord in this country can wake up and decide to increase rent without approval,” he stated, explaining that rent officers must assess properties to determine whether an increment is justified.

Mr. Opoku also dismissed the argument that landlords can impose any rent simply because they financed the construction of their buildings.

He noted that under the government of John Dramani Mahama, compliance with rent laws will be strictly enforced.

“Your house may belong to you, but if you cannot obey the law, then do not rent it out,” he cautioned.

The reforms, he indicated, are aimed at strengthening enforcement, ensuring fairness in rent administration, and protecting both landlords and tenants nationwide.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan