A tenancy agreement in Ghana should name both parties, the property, rent, advance, term, deposit, repair duties and notice period. Under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), a landlord cannot demand more than six months’ advance on a tenancy over six months. VAAL Real Estate Ghana uses written leases on every managed rental.
Key points
- Put every tenancy in writing, signed and dated by both parties.
- Rent advance is capped at six months for tenancies over six months.
- For monthly or shorter tenancies, the cap is one month.
- The landlord must give a written receipt for rent paid.
- Report disputes to the Rent Control Department.
Table of Contents
What should a tenancy agreement in Ghana include?
A tenancy agreement in Ghana should cover ten points. Missing points cause most landlord and tenant disputes.
- Full names and contacts of landlord and tenant
- Property address and a description of the unit
- Monthly rent and currency
- Advance paid and the period the advance covers
- Tenancy start date and length
- Security deposit and refund conditions
- Utilities, service charges and who pays each
- Repair and maintenance duties
- Renewal and rent review terms
- Notice period to end the tenancy
For a furnished unit, attach an inventory and a condition report with photos.
Is a verbal tenancy agreement valid in Ghana?
A verbal tenancy is not automatically void in Ghana, but proving the terms without a document is hard. Disputes over rent, length or deposit then turn on each side’s word.
How much rent advance is a landlord allowed to ask for in Ghana?
Section 25(5) of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) caps rent advance at six months for a tenancy longer than six months. For a monthly or shorter tenancy, the cap is one month.
In June 2026, the Rent Control Department again warned landlords against demanding more than six months’ advance and asked tenants to report breaches.
Does a landlord have to give a rent receipt in Ghana?
Yes. The Rent Act requires a landlord who receives rent to give a written receipt. The receipt should show the premises, the amount, the rental period and the tenant’s name.
Keep every receipt. Pay by bank transfer or mobile money where possible, so a record exists.
Where do you report a rent dispute in Ghana?
Report a rent dispute to the Rent Control Department at the nearest Rent Office. The Rent Control Department handles complaints on advance, receipts, ejection and rent increases.
For tenants short of a large advance, the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS) pays the advance to the landlord. Approved tenants repay the scheme monthly.
How does VAAL Real Estate Ghana handle leases?
VAAL Real Estate Ghana uses written, lawyer-reviewed leases for every property the company manages. Tenants at Harmonia Residence, Harmonia Villas and Nirvana Villas sign a lease before moving in.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What should a tenancy agreement in Ghana include?
Names of both parties, property address, rent, advance, term, deposit, utilities, repair duties, renewal terms and the notice period. Add an inventory for furnished units.
How much rent advance is legal in Ghana?
Section 25(5) of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) caps advance at six months for a tenancy over six months, and one month for monthly or shorter tenancies.
Is a verbal tenancy agreement valid in Ghana?
A verbal tenancy is not automatically void, but proving its terms without a document is hard. Put every tenancy in writing.
Does a landlord have to issue a rent receipt?
Yes. The Rent Act requires a written receipt showing the premises, amount, rental period and tenant.
Where do I report a landlord in Ghana?
Report the landlord to the Rent Control Department at the nearest Rent Office.
Does VAAL Real Estate Ghana use written leases?
Yes. VAAL Real Estate Ghana uses written, lawyer-reviewed leases for every rental the company manages.