The Office of the Rent Commissioner has extended the deadline for the mandatory issuance of rent cards from April 1 to May 1, 2026, offering landlords and tenants additional time to comply with the directive.
The extension follows what the Rent Control Department described as “extensive engagement” with landlord associations and other stakeholders. Initially, the Department had planned to restrict services to landlords who failed to issue rent cards by April 1. However, the decision was revised to allow more time for compliance.
The rent card system is intended to enhance transparency in rental transactions by documenting payments and reducing disputes between landlords and tenants. The additional month is expected to provide a grace period for landlords to regularise their documentation without facing immediate sanctions.
Despite the extension, the Department emphasised that existing legal requirements remain in force. It cited the Rent Control Law (PNDC Law 138, 1968), which mandates that all tenancy agreements be registered within two weeks of execution.
Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku underscored the importance of adhering to this provision, stating:
“This requirement is essential to ensuring proper documentation, protection of rights, and effective dispute resolution. Failure to comply with this provision constitutes an offence under the law and may attract appropriate sanctions and penalties as prescribed.”
The Department has advised landlords to visit the nearest Rent Control Office to acquire and issue rent cards to tenants before the new deadline. It also urged all parties to ensure that tenancy agreements are duly registered within 14 days.
According to the Department, the level of compliance so far reflects a “shared commitment to transparency,” while reiterating that the extension does not waive existing legal obligations.
