Rent Control Explains Why Landlords Avoid Sanctions: Tenants Must Present Proof to Get Justice

• Rent Control has explained that landlords avoid sanctions because tenants often fail to provide evidence of illegal advance rent demands
• The department said the lack of required proof, such as written agreements, made it difficult to prosecute landlords under existing the laws
• Ghanaians reacted with frustration, criticising the Rent Control Department’s failure to enforce the laws despite clear regulations

Emmanuel Kporsu, the Head of Public Relations at Ghana's Rent Control Department, has disclosed the reason why many house owners avoid being sanctioned over rent cases and complaints.

Kporsu, while appearing as a guest on a media outlet, said the agency is often unable to prosecute landlords who demand more than six months' rent in advance because tenants fail to provide adequate evidence.

According to him, the burden of proof rests entirely on the tenant. He said because of this, it is difficult for the Rent Control Department to act in the absence of supporting material.

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He explained that the department requires either written documents or audio recordings to establish that it was indeed the landlord who initiated the illegal demand.

Rent Control Officer explains cases against landlords

Emmanuel Kporsu pointed out that landlords escape sanctions because these rental agreements typically occur in private settings, without the presence of any Rent Control officials.

According to him, the lack of third-party verification creates a legal 'lacuna', a gap that landlords exploit.

In his words:

“We cannot just take someone to court because a tenant says the landlord asked for one year’s rent. We need proof. Otherwise, it becomes one person’s word against another.”

He also pleaded with tenants in the country to document such interactions where possible.

YEN.com.gh understands that despite the law stating landlords should not request more than six months' rent in advance, enforcement has remained elusive due to the evidentiary challenges.

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Watch the interview video below.

Ghanaians react to landlord-tenant rent crisis

YEN.com.gh has collated some reactions from Ghanaians who came across the video on X. Some of the comments are listed below.

@Mwinkpeo1 commented:

"He should be sacked. He doesn’t know is work."

@_nursingguy wrote:

"What a lengthy way of saying we’re powerless/useless and can’t enforce the laws, so fire us."

@oseigymfi84487 said:

"What evidence is he expecting than tenancy agreement papers."

@AzumaTurner said:

"Hahaha if I rent two year give u way u go report me. Walaahi u go pack out. If u joke u no go get ur money back."

@nka_gha wrote:

"So we have a Rent Control Department in this country all this while ? Interesting…. His office will be swamped with the evidence he’s seeking soon. He should relax."

TikToker laments exorbitant rent prices

YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that a Ghanaian TikToker, Skpapa, complained about the high rental costs.

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According to him, Ghanaian youths are struggling to afford accommodation due to the exorbitant charges.

Social media users thronged the comments section to share experiences with landlords and homeowners.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh