Rent Control Department to Assess 100 Private Hostels Ahead of New Academic Year

Speaking on Joy FM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Acting Rent Commissioner Mr Opoku said the assessments are expected to be completed within three months.

He said the exercise is being carried out under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), which gives the Rent Control Department authority over premises across Ghana, excluding government-owned properties.

“We are going to set how much they will charge in this country,” Mr Opoku said.

Hostel owners disagree

The Chairman of the Hostel Owners Association, Bishop Dr Akwasi Owusu-Bi, said hostel operators were not against assessment but disagreed with the way the exercise was being conducted.

He explained that rising construction costs, bank loans and statutory fees paid to institutions including the GRA, EPA, Ghana Tourism Authority and Ghana National Fire Service have increased the cost of running hostels.

He also said some hostel owners are currently operating at a loss, with some properties reportedly being sold by banks after owners failed to repay their loans.

Dispute over Kumasi meeting

The two sides also disagreed over a proposed meeting in Kumasi.

Bishop Owusu-Bi said the Acting Rent Commissioner had requested that his travel expenses be covered. Mr Opoku confirmed that he declined to travel without an approved budget, saying public funds could not be used for a meeting organised by a private association.

He instead asked the hostel operators to meet him in Accra.

What does this mean for students?

The planned assessments could have a significant impact on student accommodation prices across Ghana.

Mr Opoku also warned hostel operators who have not applied for assessment, saying they could be considered to be avoiding the law.

When asked what would happen to students if some hostels were closed following enforcement, he said he would advise the government to consider alternative accommodation arrangements.

For now, attention is on the 100 hostels awaiting assessment and whether the exercise will lead to lower, higher or more standardised hostel charges before the next academic year begins.