Students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) are set to benefit from a dedicated Rent Control Desk following concerns over alleged arbitrary rent increases and unfair accommodation charges by some private hostel operators.
The initiative was announced by the Acting Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, after a joint inspection of private hostels around the university revealed what he described as widespread non-compliance with Ghana’s rent regulations.
The new desk is expected to provide students with guidance on tenancy issues, monitor compliance with rent laws and help resolve disputes between tenants and hostel operators.
Rent Control Responds to Student Concerns
The inspection, conducted on Tuesday, June 30, brought together officials from the Rent Control Department, the University of Cape Coast, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), university management and private hostel operators.
During the exercise, inspectors found that several hostels had allegedly increased accommodation fees without obtaining the required assessment and approval from the Rent Control Department.
According to Mr. Opoku, such practices violate provisions of the Rent Act.
Warning to Hostel Operators
Addressing hostel managers after the inspection, the Acting Rent Control Commissioner warned that operators are prohibited from increasing rents without following the legal assessment process.
He stressed that the Rent Control Department has the legal authority to regulate rent assessments and warned that operators who continue to disregard the law risk prosecution.
Mr. Opoku specifically cautioned hostel owners against implementing arbitrary rent increases without approval.
Permanent Support for Students
Beyond enforcement, the Commissioner announced plans to establish a permanent Rent Control Desk on the UCC campus.
The office will serve as a first point of contact for students seeking advice on rent-related matters while helping to monitor compliance with existing regulations.
Officials believe the initiative will improve transparency and strengthen the protection of students against unfair rental practices.
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University Welcomes Initiative
The inspection concluded with a meeting at the office of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dennis Worlanyo Aheto.
Professor Aheto welcomed the establishment of the Rent Control Desk and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to working closely with the Rent Control Department to improve accommodation standards and safeguard students’ welfare.
Nationwide Exercise Continues
The UCC inspection forms part of a nationwide exercise by the Rent Control Department targeting tertiary institution hostels.
The initiative follows similar inspections at the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with the aim of promoting compliance with rent regulations and protecting students from exploitation.
