The Rent Commission in Ghana is preparing to take legal action against landlords. This action begins on April 1.
Landlords who ask tenants for more than six months of rent in advance will face prosecution. This new enforcement measure aims to correct a long-standing issue in the country's housing sector.
For many years, it has been common practice for landlords to request rent payments covering one or even two years upfront. This practice has made housing unaffordable for many.
The law in Ghana limits the amount of advance rent a landlord can legally request. This limit is set at six months.
The April 1 deadline means landlords must now comply with this legal requirement. The Rent Commission will monitor compliance and initiate legal proceedings against those who do not adhere to the law.
This move is expected to bring relief to renters who struggle with the high cost of securing accommodation. It aims to create a fairer rental market.