The government has announced plans to reform Ghana’s rent laws by replacing the current legal framework with a modern Consolidated Rent Act aimed at protecting tenants and creating a more equitable rental housing system.
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, disclosed the move while responding to an urgent question on the floor of Parliament.
According to the Minister, the Ministry has begun a comprehensive review of the country’s rent regulatory regime, describing the existing laws as outdated and incapable of addressing the realities of Ghana’s rapidly evolving housing market.
He explained that the proposed Consolidated Rent Act will harmonise all existing rental housing legislation into a single legal framework, making the administration and enforcement of rent laws more effective.
Mr. Adjei said the new legislation is intended to address long-standing challenges in the rental sector by promoting fairness for both tenants and landlords.
It will also introduce incentives to encourage greater private sector investment in rental housing to help ease the country’s housing deficit.
A key feature of the proposed law, he noted, is stronger protection for low-income and vulnerable tenants.
The legislation is expected to curb arbitrary rent increases, eliminate unfair rental practices, and prevent other forms of exploitation while safeguarding the legitimate interests of property owners.
Addressing concerns about the plight of tenants before the new law comes into force, the Minister acknowledged that many renters continue to face exploitation under the current legal regime.
He said the government is mindful of these challenges and remains committed to pursuing reforms that will provide lasting solutions through the legislative process.
