President Mahama warns landlords over six-month rent advance abuse

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned landlords against defying rent advance regulations, stressing that such practices exploit individuals who are unable to afford excessive demands.

According to him, enforcement agencies are working to clamp down on landlords who charge rent advances beyond six months in order to curb unfair practices in the housing sector.

However, he lamented that many victims of rent advance abuse fail to report such cases, making it difficult for the courts to prosecute offenders.

Akosombo Dam shut down after GRIDCo Substation fire

Addressing the issue at a sod-cutting ceremony for the Green City Project at Dedesua in the Ashanti Region, President Mahama emphasised that government is determined to enforce the regulations but requires public support to make them effective.

“We have a rent court that is supposed to prosecute cases where house owners take more than six months’ rent in advance. Unfortunately, both the house owner and the prospective tenant are often unwilling to report such cases.

“That has been the main problem in enforcing this law. The one who wants to rent needs a place to lay his head, and the landlord also wants money to invest in something. Our goal is simple: fairness, protection, and dignity for tenants,” he said.

The Acting Rent Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, has also taken steps to address exorbitant fees charged by hostels on various university campuses, aiming to curb the frequent increases that burden students and their parents.

SB/MA

AROUND TOWN: Transport chaos hits Madina as drivers, passengers voice frustration