ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Ghana's Frontline Institution for Rent Administration.

The Rent Control Department operates under the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources — supporting tenants and landlords through lawful rent administration, dispute resolution, and tenant protection.

“Lawful, fair, and predictable rent administration — grounded in the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), PNDCL 138, the 1992 Constitution, and the ADR Act, 2010 (Act 798).”

Who We Are

The Rent Control Department (RCD) operates under the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources. It is Ghana's primary public institution for rent administration, dispute resolution, and tenant protection — currently transitioning toward the Office of the Rent Commissioner. Ghana's rental housing sector has long faced enforcement gaps, unlawful advance rent practices, informal tenancies, and unlawful evictions. The RCD's strategic reform process is designed to close the gap between law and lived reality, building a fairer, more transparent rental system for all Ghanaians.

Parent Ministry
Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources
Legal Mandate
Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) · PNDCL 138 · ADR Act, 2010 (Act 798)
Transitioning To
Office of the Rent Commissioner (Rent Bill 2026)
Strategic Framework
2026–2030 Strategic Plan — six reform pillars

2026–2030 Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan establishes a five-year roadmap for lawful, fair, and predictable rent administration in Ghana, built on six core pillars.

01

Lawful Rent Compliance

Advance rent reduction and lawful rent enforcement across Ghana, including action against excessive advance rent demands.

02

Mandatory ADR

Pre-mediation and alternative dispute resolution as the primary pathway — reducing adversarial hearings and improving outcomes.

03

National Rent Register

A digital tenancy system for transparent, accountable rent management and enforcement capacity across all regions.

04

Standardised Agreements

Uniform tenancy agreements and rent guidelines for all parties, reducing disputes arising from informal or unclear terms.

05

Tenant Protection

Anti-illegal eviction enforcement, rapid response mechanisms, and Police–Rent Control Joint Enforcement Protocols (PRCEP).

06

Institutional Integrity

Accountability, whistleblower protection, public confidence, and anti-corruption standards across all operations.

EST. 1963

Our History

1963

Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) enacted — the foundational legislation for rent administration in Ghana.

1986

PNDCL 138 established the Rent Control framework, defining the Department's regulatory mandate.

1994

Rent Control Department formally established under the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

2010

ADR Act, 2010 (Act 798) enacted — legal basis for mandatory pre-mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

2024

AI assistant introduced for 24/7 public guidance on rights, complaints, and procedures.

2026

2026–2030 Strategic Plan launched — digital transformation, ADR reform, and National Rent Register.

Leadership

RCD

Director-General

Rent Control Department

DD

Deputy Director

Operations & Enforcement

LC

Legal Counsel

Policy & Compliance

Organogram and full leadership directory to be published. Contact the head office for leadership enquiries.

Institutional Members

RoleAppointedTerm End
Ministry RepresentativeJan 2026Dec 2028
Legal & Policy AdvisorJan 2026Dec 2028
Civil Society RepresentativeJan 2026Dec 2028
Tenant Advocacy RepresentativeJan 2026Dec 2028
Landlord Association RepresentativeJan 2026Dec 2028

Public Meetings

Key institutional meetings and reviews are open to the public where indicated. Meetings are held at the RCD Head Office, Accra.

  • May 20, 2026

    2026–2030 Strategic Plan — Q1 Progress Review

    Upcoming

  • Jul 15, 2026

    National Rent Register — Implementation Update

    Upcoming

  • Feb 18, 2026

    ADR Reform — Pilot Programme Outcomes

    Past

  • Nov 12, 2025

    Institutional Transition — Rent Commissioner Framework

    Past