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Mahama Urges Tenants to Report Landlords Demanding More than 6 Months Rent Advances
John Dramani Mahama has called on tenants across Ghana to report landlords who demand rent advances beyond the legally approved six months, stressing the need to clamp down on exploitation in the housing sector.
Speaking at a meeting with Organised Labour at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, March 17, Mahama expressed concern over the rising cost of accommodation, noting that housing continues to take up a significant share of household income.
“Housing is a major problem, and for many households, it is consuming their income,” he said. He proposed a national housing dialogue involving government, the private sector, and labour unions to develop a sustainable social housing policy that would ensure affordable rental and homeownership options for workers.
Mahama attributed the widespread demand for excessive rent advances to Ghana’s housing deficit, which has created room for some landlords to impose unlawful charges. Although the law limits rent advances to six months, violations remain common.
He also pointed out that both tenants and landlords often avoid seeking redress through the Rent Control Department, allowing the practice to persist unchecked.
Encouraging tenants to take action, Mahama assured that authorities are ready to enforce the law. “Report such cases to the rent authorities, and we will ensure the necessary action is taken,” he stated.
His comments come at a time when many tenants have raised concerns about landlords demanding up to two years’ rent in advance—a practice widely criticized as illegal and exploitative. The call reinforces efforts to promote fairness and protect tenants within Ghana’s housing market.
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