The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has petitioned the Rent Control Department,calling for urgent intervention in what the union describes as a growing crisis of exploitative hostel accommodation pricing across the country’s tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Friday, April, 23,2026,the Union cited the persistent and unjustified rent increases by private hostel operators and property owners within and around university campuses, highlighting that the increments are mostly imposed without in contrast to the provisions of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220).
The student union further flagged widespread violations of the law’s provisions on advance rent payments, stating that students are being compelled to pay rent covering periods exceeding six months to one year upfront, a practice which contradicts the Rent Acts.
NUGS added that the situation has created financial strain and, in some cases, displacement of students unable to meet the excessive demands which undermines access to education and places undue burden on students who largely depend on limited financial support.
The union’s petition outlined six specific demands from the Rent Control Department:
1. Immediate investigation into hostel pricing structures within and around tertiary institutions nationwide.
2. Strict enforcement of the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), particularly regarding advance rent payments and lawful procedures for rent increment.
3. Sanctions against property owners and hostel operators found to be in breach of the law.
4. Establishment of clear guidelines for hostel pricing and tenancy arrangements specific to student accommodation.
5. Strengthened monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure sustained compliance.
6. Creation of accessible reporting channels for students to lodge complaints and seek redress without fear of victimisation.
NUGS then expressed confidence that decisive action from the Rent Control Department would restore fairness and reinforce respect for the rule of law within the rental housing sector.
The Rent Control Department operates under the Ministry of Works and Housing and is mandated to regulate rent matters in Ghana in accordance with the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220).
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