The Rent Control Department has announced the mandatory issuance and use of Rent Cards for all tenancy agreements in Ghana, warning that landlords who fail to comply will be denied services and may face legal sanctions.
In a press statement issued by the Office of the Rent Commissioner, the Department said the directive is grounded in Section 20 of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) and Section 5 of PNDC Law 138, which make the issuance and proper maintenance of Rent Cards a statutory obligation.
Mandatory From April 1, 2026
According to the statement, effective April 1, 2026, every landlord is required to issue an official Rent Card to each tenant at the commencement of a tenancy and ensure that all rent payments are accurately recorded.
The measure forms part of ongoing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening compliance, transparency, and accountability in rent administration across the country.
No Rent Card, No Service
The Department further announced that from April 1, 2026, landlords who appear before any Rent Control office without proof that Rent Cards have been issued to their tenants will not be entertained for any service.
Affected services include rent assessment applications, recovery of premises proceedings, complaints against tenants, and settlement or mediation processes.
Enforcement and Sanctions
The Rent Control Department cautioned that landlords who fail to issue Rent Cards as required by law will be deemed to be in breach of their statutory obligations and will be subjected to sanctions prescribed under Act 220 and related regulations.
Reaffirming its mandate, the Department said it remains committed to enforcing rent laws fairly, professionally, and without fear or favour, while promoting peaceful resolution and reconciliation between landlords and tenants.
Call for Cooperation
The statement called on landlords, tenants, estate managers, and all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the directive in the collective interest of ensuring orderly and transparent rent administration nationwide.
The statement was signed by Frederick Opoku, Acting Rent Commissioner, on behalf of the Rent Control Department.
The Department encouraged members of the public to take note of the new requirements ahead of the April 1 implementation date.
