By Emmanuel Gamson/ Gladys Abakah
Sekondi (W/R), July 17, GNA – The Western Regional Rent Control Department has sought the support of the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) to embark on rental and housing reforms in the region.
The reforms, to be undertaken through a coordinated strategic plan, sought to address current rent and housing related issues within the region.
Mr Courage Cornelius Sonu, the Western Regional Rent Officer, in an interaction with Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, said the current rent environment faced challenges such as illegal rent advances, lack of enforcement, inconsistent record-keeping, and mistrust between landlords and tenants, amongst other challenges.
He stated that these problems undermined public confidence and disrupted housing stability in the region.
According to him, having recognised the fragmented nature of stakeholder engagement in rent regulation and enforcement, the department seeks to create an integrated framework where all relevant parties in the sector worked in unison towards the effectiveness of rent control policies.
Mr Sonu stated that the reforms would include effecting a six-month advanced payment cap, regulate the determination of recoverable rent, and introduce mandatory landlord, tenant, and property registration.
Others are standardising rent/tenancy agreement through model templates and public education, have a registry of vacant premises at the rent office to deal with agent/agency associated challenges, and license and regulate activities of agents and their agencies.
“Another thing we want to do is to regulate the dollarisation of hotels, guest lodges and other service providers, and also deter the growth of slums and its associated mishaps like theft, sanitation problems, and health implication,” he added.
He appealed to the Regional Minister to support the intended reforms to help overhaul and formalise the rent housing space in the region.
Mr Sonu said: “The WRCC as the apex administrative and development planning body in the region, is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful rent reforms by leveraging its authority, convening power and coordinating mandate to act as a central pillar in creating fair, transparent and sustainable rental ecosystem.”
The Western Regional Minister, for his part, commended the Rent Control Department for its efforts in trying to bring sanity in the rent and housing sector in region.
Mr Nelson expressed his readiness to support the Department to undertake the reforms to help improve transparency, fairness, and administrative efficiency within the rental sector.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie