Two years rent advance? Here is what the law actually says

If you have rented a room in Accra or Kumasi, you have probably been asked for one or two years rent upfront. It feels normal because everyone does it. The law disagrees.

The Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) limits advance rent. For a monthly tenancy a landlord may not demand more than six months in advance.

Enforcement is the hard part. Tenants often accept the demand because housing is scarce. But the Rent Control Department exists to hear exactly this complaint, and it is free to approach.

Keep receipts for every payment. If a dispute comes up later, the receipt is your strongest evidence of what you paid and when.