The Rent Commissioner of the Rent Control Department, Fredrick Opoku, has intensified his warning against illegal rent practices, stressing that landlords who violate rent regulations risk arrest and possible sanctions.
Speaking during a discussion on Bullet TV’s Morning Target, Mr. Opoku stated that he remains determined to fight unlawful rent pricing and excessive advance rent demands across the country.
“I will feel useless if I fail in my fight against illegal rent prices,” he stated.
He cautioned landlords against charging rent advances beyond the legal limit, insisting that the law would be enforced strictly.
“Any landlord who charges more than six months’ advance would be arrested,” he warned.
Mr. Opoku further disclosed that landlords are legally required to pay taxes on rent advances collected from tenants.
According to him, residential property owners are expected to pay 8 percent tax on rent advances, while commercial property owners are required to pay 15 percent.
“Landlords are to compulsorily pay taxes — residential 8%, commercial 15% on each advance charged,” he explained.
The Rent Commissioner also encouraged tenants and students who experience arbitrary hostel or rent fee increases to report such cases to the Rent Control Department with proof of payment.
“Bring payment receipt to the Rent Control Department after my directive if you pay any hike in hostel fee,” he said.
He assured the public that the department would continue to monitor the housing sector closely and collaborate with relevant authorities to protect tenants from exploitation and ensure compliance with Ghana’s rent laws.