Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye has disclosed that Cabinet has approved the draft Rent Bill, 2022.
This, he said, was done at its last meeting on 27th October, 2022 and recommended same for the consideration of Parliament.
He indicated the Bill is now expected to be presented to Parliament to commence its engagements to culminate in its successful enactment into law.
He disclosed this at the Minister’s Press Briefing on Sunday, November 13 to update Ghanaians on the performance of the Ministry.
He said the current law, the Rent ACT, 1963 (ACT 220) and the Rent Control Law, 1986 (P.N.D.C.L 138), passed many years ago has outlived its relevance by the current population growth and urbanization and related factors.
According to him, the review is to safeguard the rights of vulnerable tenants that have been out-priced by the uncontrollable hikes in the cost of renting accommodation.
“The review also seeks to remove inherent constraints and offer incentives, which will stimulate private sector investment in the rental housing sector.”
“This will ensure that property developers are not discouraged from investing in the housing industry by rigid rent control mechanisms that suppress chargeable rent to artificial levels.”
“Furthermore, the Rent Bill provides that a landlord who demands the payment of rent in advance for more than one month in a monthly tenancy, or a tenancy which is shorter than one month, or more than one year in a tenancy, which exceeds one year, commits an offence, clearly identified in the Bill.”
The Minister implored the public to take particular interest in the engagements on the Bill and contribute to its adoption.
This, he said, can be done by sending views and expectations to respective Members of Parliament, when the House is about to consider the draft Bill.
