The Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has disclosed that the government is planning to amend the Rent Law in the 1992 Constitution which was passed 59 years ago.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Sunday, November 13, 2022, the minister voiced out that the decision to amend the rent law was taken after a consultative meeting with some key stakeholders realizing the law has outlived its relevance.
Adding to that, he averred that the yet-to-be-passed rent bill is aimed at safeguarding tenants against profiteering landlords.
According to him, the current population and the number of people who travel to urban centres in search of jobs, thereby renting apartments fall prey to the hands of landlords who tend to benefit so much from the vulnerable tenants.
“As I have mentioned in recent times, the existing law was passed by Parliament fifty-nine years ago, and therefore, its relevance has been outlived by the current population growth and urbanization, housing availability, rental rates, housing redistribution, and eviction controls, amongst several other attendant difficulties, that have engulfed the housing sector.
“The review is intended to safeguard the rights of vulnerable tenants who have been outpriced by the uncontrollable hikes in the cost of renting accommodation,” the MP for Bantama said.
Mr Asenso-Boakye also indicated that the new bill would prosecute any landlord who demands more than one month’s rent in a monthly tenancy and more than a year in a yearly tenancy.
The minister again encouraged all citizenry to share their views on the key issues they suggest the ministry for Works and Housing should address in the new bill that is yet to be passed.
“After some extensive engagements on the draft Rent Bill, 2022, Cabinet at its last meeting held on 27th October 2022, gave approval for the draft Rent Bill, 2022 and recommended same for the consideration of Parliament. It is expected that soon, Parliament will also commence its engagements on the Bill to culminate, hopefully, in its successful enactment.
“I want to take this opportunity to implore all well-meaning Ghanaians to take particular interest in these engagements and contribute to their adoption.
“This can be done by sending your views and expectations to your respective Members of Parliament, as the House is about to consider the draft Bill,” he concluded.