FOR TENANTS
Know Your Rights.
Understand your protections under Act 220 and PNDCL 138, learn how to respond to unlawful rent demands and illegal eviction, and access the forms you need.
Facing illegal eviction or lockout? Official intervention is available — contact the Tenant Protection Rapid Response Unit immediately.
3 Key Facts
Landlords may not demand more than three months' advance rent under Act 220 — any excess is unlawful and recoverable.
You have the right to a written tenancy agreement before occupying any rental unit. Verbal-only arrangements do not remove your legal protections.
Unlawful eviction — including lockouts, removal of belongings, and utility cut-offs — is a criminal matter. Official intervention is available through the RCD.
Your Protections Under the Law
Advance Rent Limit
No landlord may demand more than three months' rent in advance. Any amount beyond this is illegal under Act 220 and must be refunded.
Right to Lawful Notice
You must receive proper written notice before any eviction can lawfully proceed. Eviction without notice or a court order is illegal.
Protection Against Unlawful Eviction
Forcible removal, lockouts, changing of locks, removal of belongings, and threats are all forms of illegal eviction under Ghanaian law.
Right to a Written Tenancy Agreement
Every tenant is entitled to a written tenancy agreement before occupying a unit. This document protects your rights and records agreed terms.
Access to Mediation & ADR
Before any formal hearing, you and your landlord may be referred to mediation under Act 798. This is faster, less costly, and equally binding.
Retaliation Protection
A landlord cannot evict you, raise your rent unlawfully, or harass you because you filed a complaint or exercised your rights.
How to File a Complaint
- 01
Gather your documents — tenancy agreement, any written communications, receipts, and evidence of the issue.
- 02
Visit the RCD complaints page or your nearest regional office to file a formal complaint.
- 03
Your complaint is reviewed and a ticket issued within 2 business days. Billing is confirmed at this stage.
- 04
An officer is assigned to your case or it is referred to ADR for pre-mediation.
- 05
Attend any scheduled hearings or mediation sessions. Bring all supporting documents.
- 06
A binding decision or mediated settlement is issued, with next steps communicated to all parties.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you are facing illegal eviction, lockout, threats, or harassment — act immediately.
- 01
Call the RCD emergency hotline immediately if you are being forcibly removed, locked out, or threatened.
- 02
Document everything — photographs, videos, witnesses, and written records all strengthen your case.
- 03
Do not leave your home voluntarily under duress — request to speak with a rent officer first.
- 04
File an emergency complaint at your nearest RCD office or through the Tenant Protection page.
- 05
Police intervention is available through the Police–Rent Control Joint Enforcement Protocols (PRCEP).
Downloadable Forms
| Form Name | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant Complaint Form | File a formal complaint against a landlord for rent, eviction, or habitability issues. | |
| Advance Rent Objection Form | Challenge an unlawful demand for more than three months' advance rent. | |
| Illegal Eviction Report | Report an unlawful eviction, lockout, or threat of forced removal. | |
| Harassment Report Form | Report landlord harassment, intimidation, or retaliatory conduct. |