The Rent Control Department has called on private hostel owners around the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to seek its guidance before increasing accommodation fees, stressing that students must be protected from excessive and unlawful rent charges.
Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku appealed during a courtesy visit to the University’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Department and the University to improve rent regulation and safeguard the welfare of students living in private hostels.
Mr Opoku said the Department is intensifying public education and enforcement of Ghana’s rent laws to encourage compliance and protect the interests of both tenants and landlords.
He reminded property owners that the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), generally prohibits landlords from demanding more than six months’ rent in advance for residential properties and more than one year’s advance payment for commercial premises.
He added that the law also protects tenants from unlawful eviction while requiring both parties to honour the terms of their tenancy agreements.
According to him, the Department is encouraging the use of standard tenancy agreements to make the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants clearer, reduce disputes, and promote transparency.
He also disclosed that the planned introduction of Rent Cards will improve record-keeping and strengthen compliance monitoring.
Expressing concern over the frequent increase in hostel fees around UCC, Mr Opoku urged operators to consult the Rent Control Department before adjusting their charges to ensure any increases comply with the law.
“Our goal is not to frustrate hostel operators or landlords but to ensure that rent adjustments are fair, lawful and transparent. Students deserve protection from arbitrary charges, just as property owners deserve a regulatory environment that is clear and predictable,” he said.
He further announced that the Department is developing a mobile application that will allow students and the public to access rent information, lodge complaints, and report grievances electronically.
Mr Opoku also proposed setting up a Rent Control Desk on the UCC campus to provide advisory services and help resolve landlord-tenant disputes more quickly.
He commended the University for prioritising student welfare and expressed confidence that the partnership could become a model for other tertiary institutions across the country.
Professor Aheto welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of its students.
He noted that UCC is surrounded by about 10 communities where many students rent accommodation, adding that off-campus living continues to present challenges such as theft and other social issues.
He said the University is addressing accommodation shortages by expanding hostel facilities through Public-Private Partnership arrangements.
He also proposed formalising the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding to promote greater accountability, transparency, and student welfare.
The Provost of the College of Distance Education encouraged the Rent Control Department to deepen public education and stakeholder engagement, stressing that effective regulation should not discourage private investment in student accommodation.
