What you can ask for, and what the law already settles.
Many Ghanaian tenants think of rent as a take it or leave it price, but a lot more is open to discussion than they realise, and a few things are not open to discussion at all. In 2026 the Rent Control Department made several public statements that help tenants know where the line is. This guide explains what the law and the department say, what you can reasonably ask a landlord for, and how to word a request politely.
This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. It draws on news reports of statements by the Acting Rent Commissioner in 2026. Rules and enforcement can change, so confirm current details with the Rent Control Department.
Advance rent above six months. Under Section 25 of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), a landlord should not demand more than six months of rent in advance. A Ghanaian Times report in May 2026 said the offence carries a fine of 250 penalty units, reported as GH₵3,000, or three to six months in prison. In June 2026, the department said landlords demanding more would be prosecuted, although strict enforcement would only begin after six months of public education. If a landlord asks for more, you can decline, and you can report it through the Rent Control Department complaints portal.
A rent increase at will. In a May 2026 interview, the Acting Rent Commissioner said that no landlord has the right to increase rent whenever they like, and that it is illegal. He said a landlord who wants an increase must apply to the Rent Control Department with evidence of maintenance or improvements, and that a landlord cannot simply say that materials or exchange rates have gone up without proof. If you receive an increase notice, you can ask whether the landlord has applied, and ask to see the approval.
The payment schedule. Many landlords ask for a large lump sum, but some will agree to a shorter advance, or to split it into instalments, especially if you offer a reliable history, such as proof of regular income. This is a request, not a right, so ask politely.
What the rent includes. Ask whether water, electricity, security, and waste collection are included, and who pays for each. Our guide on water and electricity arrangements lists the questions.
Repairs before you move in. If the room needs work, ask for it to be done before you pay or agree a date in writing. The Rent Commissioner's remarks on maintenance suggest that repairs are a landlord's responsibility to prove, so it is fair to ask.
Renewal terms. Ask now what happens when the tenancy ends, how much notice each side must give, and how any change in rent would be decided. A written answer can save a difficult conversation later.
A rent card and receipts. Landlords on monthly tenancies are expected to issue a rent card within seven days. See our guide on moving in.
Keep the tone friendly and specific. For example: "I would like to take the room. Would you consider an advance of six months, as the Rent Act sets out?" Or: "Before I pay, could we agree in writing on who pays for water and when the repairs will be done?" Or, if a notice arrives: "Thank you for letting me know. Could you share the Rent Control approval for the increase so I can keep it with my agreement?"
A polite request is more likely to get a good answer, and a written reply gives you a record.
The Rent Commissioner said in May 2026 that most disputes could be settled amicably without formal intervention, and that disputes grow when both sides take rigid positions. The department has said it is developing a proposed standard tenancy agreement to give both sides clear guidelines, and it plans a nationwide task force at district assemblies to help resolve disputes locally. It also said landlords should avoid arbitrary actions, giving the example of locking the gate so tenants cannot return home after 10 p.m.
Tenants have duties too. In a 2023 report, the department said it received 73,352 cases over four years, and that non-payment of rent accounted for 73 percent of them. Paying on time and keeping your receipts protects you as much as it protects the landlord.
If talking does not work, our guide on the Rent Control Department explains how to file a complaint, and our guide on tenancy agreements explains what to get in writing.
Graphic Online, No repairs, no justification for rent increase, Rent Control boss tells landlords, May 2026
Ghanaian Times, Clampdown on rent disputes begins as Rent Control introduces new policy, May 2026
Ghanaian Times, Suspend rent increases or face legal action, June 2026
Ghanaian Times, Rent Control Department receives 73,352 complaints in four years, September 2023
Find a room uploaded directly by the landlord, with no agents.
Browse Properties