The 10% annual rent payment charged by housing agents is unlawful, according to the Rent Control Department.
Ashanti Regional Manager of the Department, Asare Osei Pensan, has therefore cautioned agents against charging more than 5%.
There has been an upsurge in demand for accommodation in urban areas as the ever-growing human population does not match available housing units.
The cost of renting has shot up, and some landlords demand two to three years rent advance.
Some also charge in foreign currencies, in violation of rent laws in Ghana.
Rent agents, who liaise between potential tenants and landlords, sometimes hijacked the few accommodation units in the system to make extra income.
Speaking with David Akuetteh on Luv In The Morning, Mr. Pensah observed a number of tenants have been duped or exploited by these middlemen.
“It is an offence for a broker to charge a certain amount as proceeds for a service rendered. It is an offense to charge more than 5% of an annual recoverable rent. This means the law recognizes agencies or agents. There is nothing wrong when someone acts as an agent. But an agent has to act professionally as the law demands.
“I have had a similar encounter which shocked me. Someone rented a place priced at ¢15,000. The agent was taking ¢1,500 from the tenant. The landlord was not even aware. The landlord mentioned that he did not give out any property to the agent. It was a wonder they got to know those premises were being rented out,” he said.
Landlords are also cautioned not to advertise a rental property without first getting an assessment certificate from Rent Control.
According to Mr Pensan, doing so is a breach of the Rent Act and landlords could face severe sanctions.
“Anyone having an interest in any property can call our office for an assessment of rent. The best thing a tenant can do if they want to rent a place is to come to the rent control office. We will assess and show you the amount to pay. It becomes an offense when you are charged more than you are supposed to, “ he said.
Latest Stories
-
Ashanti Regional Minister demands withdrawal of ‘fraudulent ECG bills’ sent to his residence
15 mins -
Delta Air Lines deploys new Airbus on Accra-New York route
21 mins -
PPDC spearheads Africa’s AI development at DRIF24 forum
29 mins -
Ripoti App launched to empower journalists, others to tackle digital rights violations in Africa
45 mins -
Ground-breaking health investment charter to tackle worker shortages in Africa
51 mins -
From Mortuary to Matrimony: Feature on how couple’s love journey brewed at the morgue airs on Joy Prime
1 hour -
Ghana’s LPG prices rank among the highest globally – LPG Marketers Association
1 hour -
Filth Exhibition: Residents near Korle Gonno bear the brunt of nationwide filth
1 hour -
We’ve not selected NPP members as returning officers – EC replies Mahama
2 hours -
We’ll not honour any invitation – ECG tells Ashanti Regional Minister
2 hours -
Dumsor vigil to hit Accra
2 hours -
Supreme Court rule for dual citizens to hold other key positions laudable – Kwaku Asare
2 hours -
‘No one is above the law’ – CAF president on match-fixing allegations against Samuel Eto’o
3 hours -
Manchester City thrash Brighton to go second in table
3 hours -
NDC’s running-mate speech proves readiness to lead – Asah-Asante
3 hours