Rent Control Department Runs on Only Two Vehicles Nationwide – Principal Rent Manager Reveals

The Principal Rent Manager at the Rent Control Department, Ishmael Essien, has disclosed that the institution responsible for regulating rent and mediating landlord-tenant disputes across Ghana is currently operating with just two vehicles nationwide, a situation he described as “crippling” to their operations.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Essien expressed deep concern over the department’s logistical constraints, saying the lack of mobility makes it nearly impossible to respond promptly to complaints and enforce rent laws.

“If Rent Control says we don’t have a car, it becomes a problem. We had only one car across the entire country for our operations. Recently, we were given another, so now we have two cars for the whole department,” he revealed.

Mr. Essien said the department’s limited resources have hindered its ability to deliver on its mandate, despite the critical role it plays in ensuring fairness between landlords and tenants.

“The media must help us push for better logistics because we are doing our best with very limited means,” he appealed.

His revelation comes amid growing public criticism over the effectiveness of the Rent Control Department, particularly in addressing rising rent costs and enforcing the Rent Act of Ghana.

Under the current law, landlords are not permitted to demand more than six months’ rent advance from tenants, but enforcement has remained weak,  with many landlords collecting one or even two years’ advance payments.

Mr. Essien, however, maintained that the department remains committed to protecting tenants and landlords alike, insisting that with proper logistical and political support, Rent Control could deliver far better results.

“We have one of the best rent regulation systems, but without the tools and support to work effectively, it becomes difficult,” he said.

He reiterated that strengthening the department’s operational capacity would go a long way in curbing rent exploitation and restoring public confidence in Ghana’s housing regulatory system.