RENT CONTROL DEPARTMENT NEEDS SUPPORT (PAGE 29)

THE Department of Rent Control of the Ministry of Works and Housing in Tamale has expressed concern about the alleged refusal of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the metropolis to support its activities including a proposed public education campaign on rent issues in the area.
It has also expressed regret that a proposal by the department to some NGOs for sponsorship to complement the government’s efforts at educating the public on rent issues earlier this year had not received any response.
The officer in charge of the department, Mr Mohammed Dawuni Abdallah, told the Daily Graphic that the situation had affected their quest for an intensive public education on the Rent Act 220 of 1963.
According to him, a significant number of residents were still ignorant about rent laws and the activities of the department.
"My outfit is doing a lot to foster peace between tenants and landlords in the metropolis but because we lack funding we are not able to publicise our activities," he lamented.
Mr Abdallah further expressed disappointment at the inability of the department to raise GH¢2,200 to help refurbish its offices and provide the necessary facilities like fans, office furniture and rewiring of the office building.
He said the lack of co-operation between some landlords and the rent control department, non-registration of vacant premises, disregard for the law on the part of some landlords and inadequate public education on the activities of the rent control department were some of the major challenges facing the department.
The officer cautioned landlords against "harbouring tenants who might turn out to be criminals in your houses without knowing their respective backgrounds including the jobs they do".
He further stressed that under the regulations, landlords were supposed to collect rent advance for a maximum period of six months and a minimum of three months except in cases where the tenant had agreed to pay more than the stipulated six months.
"However, rent advances are paid for newly constructed houses but that should be the first time a tenant is occupying a room after which the tenant should pay the rent on a monthly basis", the officer stated.
According to him, "if a landlord wants to take back his rented premises it must be based on the failure of the tenant to pay his or her rent or where a tenant engages in immoral acts and abuses the privileges given him or her.