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Tenants should Report Landlords Demanding Illegal Rent Advances – President Mahama
Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on tenants to report landlords who demand rent advances exceeding the legal limit, advocating for stricter enforcement to combat exploitation within the housing sector.
Speaking at a dialogue with Organised Labour at Jubilee House on Tuesday, March 17, Mahama highlighted the rising costs of housing, which have placed a significant financial strain on households, making it increasingly difficult for many to access affordable accommodation.
“Housing is a major issue, and for many households, it is consuming a large portion of their income. We need to have a national housing dialogue to determine how the private sector, government, and labour can collaborate to develop a social housing policy that ensures affordable housing for workers—whether through mortgages or rental options,” he stated.
Mahama attributed the growing demand for excessive rent advances to the country’s housing deficit, with some landlords exploiting the situation to impose unlawful charges. “Private house owners are taking advantage of the housing deficit. While we have the rent court and the law stipulates a maximum of six months’ rent in advance, both tenants and landlords often avoid going to the rent court,” he explained.
The former president urged tenants to take action and report such practices to the relevant authorities, assuring that offenders would face legal consequences. “You can report these landlords to the rent court, and we will make sure they are held accountable,” he emphasized.
His comments come amid growing public concern over the widespread practice of landlords demanding up to two years’ rent in advance, a practice that has been widely criticized as both unlawful and exploitative.
Story: Efua Nessa
Source :Loco tv