Gilbert Kenneth Adjei, the Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, has stated that the government is working to update Ghana’s rent regulations to better reflect the country’s present housing market conditions.
He informed Parliament today, Friday, June 26, that the current rent regulations are out of date and no longer offer landlords clear guidelines or adequate protection for tenants.
He states that in order to replace the Rent Act, 1963 (as amended) and the Rent Control Law, 1986 with a contemporary, unified Rent Act, the administration has started a thorough assessment.
“The review seeks to repeal the Rent Act 1963 as amended, together with the Rent Control Law 1986, and replace them with a modern, consolidated Rent Act. The new legal framework is designed to address the persistent constraints within the current regime, harmonize all related laws governing rental housing, and introduce appropriate incentives to stimulate private sector investment in the rental housing market,” he stated.
The new legislation, according to Honourable Adjei, will ensure a fair balance between tenants and property owners while also strengthening protections for low-income and vulnerable tenants.
“The proposed legislation will uphold and strengthen protections for low-income and vulnerable tenants. It is structured to guard against abuse, arbitrary rent increases, and unfair rental practices, while at the same time ensuring a balanced framework that recognizes the legitimate interest of property owners,” he continued.
He added that the draft measure is nearing completion and will shortly be presented to the Cabinet for review.
Source: newsthemegh.com