The Rent Control Department (RCD) has ordered University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL) and private hostel operators across the country to suspend unapproved increases in residential fees, restore previous rental rates and repay excess amounts charged to students by 17 November, 2026.
The directive follows a formal petition from the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC), titled “Petition for the Review of Proposed Residential Fees by University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL)” and filed under reference UGSRC/26/002.
A statement signed by Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku and issued by Corporate Affairs Head Sylvia Kenou said operators could not avoid national rent regulations by describing their properties as “student accommodation” or “private hostels”.
The RCD said private hostel facilities covered by the law must complete the required statutory assessment process before introducing any rent changes.
It cited Section 1 of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), together with Sections 1 and 2 of the Rent Control Act, 1986 (PNDCL 138), as the legal basis for the directive.
Under the order, UGEL and hostel operators must immediately stop collecting fees based on increases that have not been assessed or approved. They are required to return to the previous rates until the official assessment procedures have been completed.
Operators must also identify all payments made above the former rates and refund the difference to affected student tenants. The 14-day refund period runs from 3 November to 17 November, 2026.
The Department said hostel facilities must keep clear documentary records showing that refunds have been made. Those documents will be submitted to the RCD for inspection and official verification.
The regulator also warned operators against retaliating against students who challenge fee increases, request refunds or report possible breaches of rent regulations.
“Operators are strictly warned against intimidating, threatening, harassing, penalising or victimising tenants who question rent increases, seek refunds or report suspected violations,” the statement said.
The RCD said such conduct would breach Section 27(1) of Act 220.
Inspections and penalties
Compliance officers will carry out routine inspections at campuses nationwide, examine financial records and investigate complaints submitted by students.
Operators who fail to comply could face prosecution and statutory penalties under Sections 25(1)(b), 25(1)(i), 26(1) and 27(1) of Act 220.
The Department said failure to meet the 17 November deadline would lead to swift legal and administrative enforcement action.
