If you’ve looked for a place to rent in Accra, you’ve probably been asked for one or two years’ rent upfront. For many people that is the hardest part of renting in Ghana. The monthly rent is manageable; finding a year or two of it in one go is not.
The law has limited rent advance for decades, and in 2026 the Rent Control Department started enforcing it. Here is what the rule says, what changed this year, and how tenants and landlords can work with it.
What the law says about rent advance in Ghana
Renting in Ghana is governed by the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220). Under the Act, a landlord may not demand or collect more than six months’ rent in advance for a long-term tenancy.
Breaking the rule is a criminal offence. The Rent Control Department says offenders can be fined, jailed for up to two years, or both.
In short:
- Six months is the most a landlord can ask for upfront on a long-term let.
- Asking for one or two years in advance is not allowed, even though it is still common.
- The rule protects tenants, but it also gives landlords a clear, fair standard to work to.
What changed in 2026
For years the six-month limit was widely ignored. That started to change this year.
In March 2026, Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku announced that the department would fully enforce the six-month rule from 1 April 2026 and prosecute landlords who demand more. The department said it would work with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to enforce it across the country.
In June 2026 the department went further. At a press conference in Accra it urged tenants to gather evidence and report landlords who demand more than six months, and said it would set up an anonymous platform for complaints. It also confirmed that a new rent law is being drafted to replace Act 220, including plans to register landlords and build a digital database of rentals.
So the rule itself is not new. What is new is that it is being enforced.
Six months versus two years: what it actually costs
The difference is easier to see with real numbers. On ZeaHomes, a typical one- or two-bedroom apartment in East Legon is listed at around GH₵14,000 a month (November 2026).
| Rent advance | Paid before you move in (at GH₵14,000 a month) |
|---|---|
| 6 months | GH₵84,000 |
| 1 year | GH₵168,000 |
| 2 years | GH₵336,000 |
That is GH₵252,000 more to find before moving in, for exactly the same apartment. Even in more affordable areas such as Adenta and Oyarifa, where many flats are listed at GH₵4,000 to GH₵8,000 a month, a two-year advance can pass GH₵150,000.
For a full picture of prices across the city, see our guide to rent prices in Accra by neighbourhood.
Remember the other costs of moving in as well: agent commission, transport, and for an unfurnished home, things like curtains, a gas cylinder and sometimes a water tank.
What tenants can do
- Ask for six months from the start. Many landlords still open with one or two years. Asking politely for six months, and mentioning the rule, often works, especially when a property has been empty for a while.
- Get a written tenancy agreement. It should state the rent, the advance paid, the period it covers, who handles repairs and how much notice each side must give. Our article on tenancy agreements covers what to check.
- Get a receipt for every payment. Bank transfers and mobile money leave a record. Cash does not, unless you get a signed receipt.
- Register your tenancy. The Rent Control Department encourages tenants to register their tenancy agreements. Its online platform, launched by the Ministry of Works and Housing in September 2024, also takes complaints.
- Keep evidence if you are asked for more. Messages, adverts or written demands for more than six months help if you decide to report it.
- Confirm who you are paying. Make sure the person collecting rent is the owner or someone the owner has authorised. Our guide to avoiding real estate scams explains how.
What landlords should know
Many landlords have relied on long advances to fund repairs or building projects, so the six-month rule can feel like more risk. A few practical ways to manage it:
- Screen tenants properly. Ask for ID, proof of income or employment, and a previous landlord’s contact. Good screening matters more when you are not holding two years’ rent.
- Put everything in writing. A clear agreement on rent, renewal, maintenance and notice protects you as much as the tenant.
- Plan renewals early. Agree renewal terms, including any rent increase, a few months before the advance runs out, so there is no gap in payments.
- Keep the property in good condition. Well-kept homes rent faster and keep tenants longer, which means fewer empty months. See the property management mistakes to avoid.
If you would rather not handle tenants, rent collection and repairs yourself, a property manager can do it for you. Read why you might need a property manager, or talk to us about our real estate services.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal for a landlord in Ghana to ask for one year’s rent advance?
Yes, for a long-term tenancy. The Rent Act limits rent advance to six months, and the Rent Control Department has been enforcing the limit since 1 April 2026.
Can I choose to pay more than six months?
The rule is aimed at landlords who demand or collect more than six months. If you pay more and the arrangement later goes wrong, getting that money back can be difficult. If you do pay more, make sure it is written into your tenancy agreement and you have receipts.
Where can I report a landlord?
At any Rent Control Department office, or through the department’s online platform. Take your tenancy agreement, receipts and any messages that show the demand.
Does the rule apply to short stays?
The six-month limit is about long-term tenancies. Short stays booked by the night or week, like our short-stay apartments, are normally paid in full for the length of the stay.
Is a new rent law coming?
A new rent bill is being drafted to replace the Rent Act, 1963. Until Parliament passes it, Act 220 and the six-month rule still apply.
Find a rental in Accra
Browse apartments for rent, houses for rent or all our rentals, or contact ZeaHomes to ask about a property’s payment terms before you book a viewing.
*This article is general information, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, speak to the Rent Control Department or a lawyer.*
