Renting Property in Ghana – A Landlord's Guide

Renting out property can provide a steady source of income, but it also comes with legal responsibilities.

Understanding the rules that govern landlord-tenant relationships can help you protect your property, collect rent lawfully, and avoid unnecessary disputes.

This guide provides general legal information only and does not assess individual tenancy arrangements.

What This Guide Explains

This guide explains:

• What a tenancy is under Ghanaian law
• Why written tenancy agreements matter
• Rent advances and security deposits
• Landlord rights and responsibilities
• How termination and eviction work
• Common mistakes landlords should avoid

What Is a Tenancy?

A tenancy (sometimes called a lease) is an arrangement where a landlord gives a tenant the right to occupy property in exchange for rent.

Tenancies may be residential or commercial, as well as formal or informal.

Why Written Tenancy Agreements Matter

A written tenancy agreement helps to:

• Clearly state the rent payable
• Define the duration of the tenancy
• Explain notice requirements
• Record security deposit arrangements
• Reduce misunderstandings and disputes

For a ready-to-use tenancy agreement, see Niellégal's Residential Tenancy Agreement Template.

Rent Advances and Security Deposits

Rent Advances

Under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220):

• For tenancies exceeding six months, a landlord may generally request up to six months' rent in advance.
• For monthly or shorter tenancies, a landlord may generally request up to one month's rent in advance.

Although higher advances are common in practice, landlords should be aware of the legal restrictions.

Security Deposits

Security deposits should be clearly documented.

A tenancy agreement should specify:

• The amount paid
• Permitted uses (for example, damage beyond normal wear and tear)
• When and how the deposit will be refunded

Proper documentation helps prevent disputes at the end of the tenancy.

Landlord Rights

Landlords are generally entitled to:

• Receive rent that is lawfully due

• Have the property maintained by the tenant, subject to normal wear and tear

• Set tenancy terms within the bounds of the law

• Access the property for inspection or repairs with reasonable notice

• Enforce tenancy terms

• Seek termination or recovery of possession where the law permits

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are generally expected to:

• Provide premises that are fit for occupation
• Carry out necessary repairs
• Respect the tenant's right to peaceful enjoyment of the property
• Follow lawful procedures for termination and eviction

• Avoid self-help eviction

Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant?

Not without following the law.

A landlord cannot:

• Change the locks
• Remove a tenant's belongings
• Disconnect water or electricity
• Force a tenant out without legal process

Where recovery of possession is required, the landlord must generally:

1. Follow any notice requirements.
2. Rely on a recognised statutory ground.

Common grounds for recovery of possession include:

• Non-payment of rent lawfully due

• Breach of obligations under the Rent Act

• Use of premises for illegal or immoral purposes

• Nuisance or annoyance to adjoining premises

• Deterioration of premises through waste

• Expiry of the tenancy

• Premises reasonably required by the landlord

Recoverable Rent

The Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) permits a landlord, tenant, or any person interested in premises to apply to a Rent Officer for an assessment of the recoverable rent.

Recoverable rent refers to the maximum rent that may lawfully be charged for the premises.

It is important to note that a Rent Officer cannot rewrite or vary the terms of a tenancy agreement. Only the courts have authority to intervene where the terms are alleged to be unfair or unconscionable.

Common Mistakes Landlords Make

Common errors include:

• Demanding rent advances beyond statutory limits

• Charging rent in foreign currency contrary to law

• Evicting tenants without court orders

• Relying on vague or purely oral agreements

• Poor documentation of security deposits, repairs, and notices

Many disputes can be avoided through proper documentation and compliance with legal requirements.

Why This Matters

Understanding the legal rules that apply to renting property helps landlords:

• Protect their investment
• Collect rent lawfully
• Reduce disputes
• Avoid liability for unlawful conduct
• Maintain professional landlord-tenant relationships

Good documentation and lawful procedures benefit both landlords and tenants.

Where to Get Help

• Qualified lawyers – for tenancy agreements and dispute advice
• Rent Control Department – for tenancy guidance and dispute support
• Courts – for enforcement and dispute resolution

Important Note

This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only. Laws may have changed since this guide was last updated. For specific legal advice about your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer. Accessing or using this information does not create a lawyer–client relationship.

Last updated: January 2026