The Rent Control Department has reiterated that, according to Section 31 of the Rent Act (Act 220), only cash payment is acceptable for rent, and no other form of trade or payment in kind is permissible.
The clarification came from Emmanuel Kporsu, the Public Relations Officer of the Rent Control Department, during an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM.
Mr Kporsu emphasized that the law explicitly prohibits any form of barter trade between tenants and landlords, and this provision is specifically outlined in the Rent Law.
He stated, “The Rent Law is emphatic and states that we cannot use any other thing in place of money to pay your rent. So to extend this explanation, you cannot engage in barter trade with your landlord.”
Furthermore, Kporsu emphasized that tenants are not allowed to offer any other form of payment, including goods or services, as substitutes for cash rent payments. He specifically highlighted that trading sex for rent payment is illegal and constitutes a violation of the law.
“It is unlawful. Apart from money, you cannot use anything else to pay your rent. So you cannot pay in kind or use any property as barter but can only pay in cash,” Kporsu reiterated.
However, Kporsu also advised tenants facing financial difficulties to negotiate payment terms with their landlords rather than resorting to alternative forms of payment. He cited Section 17 of the Rent Act, which allows for negotiation and agreement on payment periods in such situations.
“If you do not have money, negotiate with your landlord and agree on a period during which you can pay the rent,” he advised. “It is rent, and you can only pay your rent with cash and not in kind, sex, or any other process.”
The clarification from the Rent Control Department serves to remind both tenants and landlords of their obligations and rights under the Rent Act, ensuring adherence to legal provisions governing rent payment and tenancy agreements.