The Rent Control Department has emphasized that tenants are restricted to paying their rent exclusively in cash, as asserted by Section 31 of the Rent Act (Act 220).
The Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Kporsu, addressed this matter during an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM.
Kporsu highlighted that the law explicitly prohibits any form of barter trade between tenants and landlords.
He explained that the Rent Law was designed to allow only cash payments for rent, eliminating the possibility of using alternative methods such as bartering goods or services.
“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 a barter trade with your landlord,” Kporsu emphasised.
He further clarified that even trading sex for rent is unlawful, stressing that only cash payments are acceptable.
Additionally, Kporsu advised tenants facing financial challenges to negotiate with their landlords and agree on a feasible payment period.
He underscored that the Rent Act provides provisions for negotiation in case a tenant is unable to pay the full rent amount upfront.
“This is not a loan system that requires you to have collateral before you get the loan. It is rent, and you can only pay your rent with cash and not in kind, sex, or any other process,” he concluded.