Rent Control Department orders hostel operators to refund excess rent

The Rent Control Department (RCD) has issued a formal directive to the University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL) and all private hostel operators to reverse recent unassessed rent increases. Following a petition from the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC), the department has ordered that all excess rent collected from students be refunded by November 17, 2026. This intervention addresses growing concerns over residential fees that were implemented without the required legal assessments. According to the directive issued on November 2, 2026, all affected operators must immediately return to the previous rental rates until official assessments are completed. The RCD has specified that the refund process should take place between November 3 and November 17, 2026. These refunds are to cover the exact difference between the previous approved rates and the new, unassessed increases. This move is intended to provide immediate financial relief to students who have been burdened by the sudden hike in accommodation costs at the nation's premier university. The RCD has taken a firm stance against any potential backlash from property owners. The department warned hostel operators against retaliating against students or tenants who seek to enforce this directive. To ensure compliance, the department announced it would conduct regular monitoring and inspections across the various residential facilities. Operators who fail to adhere to the refund timeline or attempt to bypass the legal assessment process could face significant legal consequences under the existing rent laws. This regulatory intervention follows persistent advocacy by the UGSRC regarding the rising cost of student housing, which has become a major barrier to campus life. By mandating that rent increases first pass through official assessment, the RCD is reinforcing the legal framework designed to protect tenants from arbitrary price hikes. The outcome of this directive is expected to set a precedent for how student accommodation fees are managed and regulated across other tertiary institutions in Ghana.