Tenants urged to report landlords over excessive rent demands

President John Dramani Mahama has called on tenants to report landlords who demand rent advances beyond the legal limit, as part of efforts to clamp down on exploitation in the housing sector.
Speaking at a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, March 17, he expressed concern over the rising cost of housing, noting that accommodation expenses are placing increasing strain on household incomes.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated national housing dialogue involving government, the private sector, and labour to develop a social housing policy. According to him, such a policy would help provide affordable housing options, whether through mortgages or reasonably priced rental arrangements for workers.
President Mahama attributed the growing trend of excessive rent charges to Ghana’s housing deficit, explaining that the shortage of accommodation is enabling some landlords to exploit tenants. He pointed out that although the law limits rent advance to six months, many cases go unreported because both tenants and landlords avoid the rent court.
He therefore encouraged tenants to take action by reporting such practices, assuring that authorities would ensure accountability.
The President’s remarks come amid increasing public frustration over landlords demanding up to two years’ rent advance—a practice widely regarded as unlawful and exploitative.