G-TAG CALLS FOR CRIMINALISATION OF EXCESSIVE RENT ADVANCES ON TENANTS*
The Generational Thinkers Alliance Ghana G-TAG a Civic Organization is calling on the Parliament of Ghana, the Government, and the Rent Control Department to take urgent steps to address the growing burden of excessive rent advances imposed on tenants across the country.
G-TAG strongly advocates for the strict enforcement of the Rent Control Department’s proposed policy, which limits rent advances to a maximum of six months.
The Alliance emphasizes that this measure is critical to protecting tenants from exploitation and ensuring fair access to housing.
In recent years, many Ghanaian tenants have faced increasing financial strain due to landlords demanding rent advances far exceeding the recommended six-month limit. This practice places undue pressure on individuals and families, often forcing them into debt or unstable living conditions.
G-TAG is therefore urging lawmakers and relevant authorities to not only enforce the six-month rent advance policy but also to criminalize the collection of rent beyond this limit.
Landlords who violate this regulation should face appropriate sanctions to deter such practices and uphold tenants’ rights.
The Alliance believes that decisive action on this issue will contribute significantly to improving housing affordability and promoting social equity in Ghana.
The Alliance is calling on all aforementioned stakeholders for a permanent solution to the practice rather than the usual rethorics and talking without action.
“We are calling on the Parliament of Ghana, Government and the Rent Control Department Ghana to criminalize undue rent advances and punish landlords and tenants who violate the laws”.
