Source: Nana Kwesi Boakye
The Acting Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has cautioned the public against dealing with unregistered rent agents, stating that many individuals operating within the sector are not properly licensed or regulated.
Speaking on Atinka News at 6 p.m. on radio on Thursday, Mr. Opoku defended the operations of rent agents in Ghana, explaining that their activities are recognised and backed by law.
According to him, the law allows intermediaries in rent transactions, stressing that rent agency is a professional practice that requires proper training and expertise.
Mr. Opoku, however, lamented that the profession has remained largely unregulated over the years, resulting in widespread abuse and unprofessional conduct.
He explained that all rent agents are expected to register with the Rent Agency Council, which is responsible for regulating and monitoring the activities of agents across the country to ensure professional standards are maintained.
According to him, many agents fail to subject themselves to the required regulations, enabling them to operate without oversight.
”About 99 percent of the agents in this country are not registered, and their activities are not professional,” he stated.
The Acting Commissioner therefore advised accommodation seekers to always verify whether an agent is registered before engaging their services in order to avoid fraud and exploitation.
Mr. Opoku also described it as unethical and unprofessional for rent agents to collect commissions from both landlords and tenants in the same transaction.
He explained that while previous laws capped agent commissions at five percent, newer regulations now provide some flexibility for registered professional agents due to operational costs associated with their work.
He further disclosed that the Rent Control Department and the Real Estate Agency Council would collaborate to intensify public education on rent-related issues and proper rental procedures.
Mr. Opoku additionally urged landlords not to engage unregistered agents and encouraged property owners to register their rental properties with the Rent Control Department to promote proper regulation within the housing sector.
