GHRadio1
Real Music Power
GHRadio1
Real Music Power
Share this article
It is an offence for an individual to label themselves as an agent or a real estate broker if they do not have a license, Senior Rent Officer and Head of PR at the Rent Control Department, Emmanuel Xove Kporsu, has cautioned. In an interview on Channel One TV, he addressed the concern of landlords colluding with agents.
He explained that in some cases, a prospective tenant may contact a landlord directly, only to be told to “go and see the agent first,” a practice he described as problematic. According to him, this issue is being worked on.
He noted that efforts to tackle the situation began in 2020, when the Real Estate Agency Act was passed to deal with challenges of this nature. Understanding Ghana's Rent Act: Know your rights as a tenant
Kporsu said the Act focuses on regulating the fees charged by agents and real estate brokers when assisting individuals to rent or purchase property.
He added that a body known as the Real Estate Agency Council has been established to lead the implementation of the Act. The council is responsible for prescribing fees and charges for anyone who operates as an agent or broker, issuing licenses, and inspecting offices to ensure agents and brokers meet the required standards.
He noted that individuals cannot operate under makeshift setups and present themselves as agents. “This issue is being addressed.
In 2020, a law was passed, the Real Estate Agency Act, on October 15. What this Act seeks to correct is the fees and charges agents and brokers take.
A council has been formed to lead the implementation of the Act. They will prescribe the fees and charges for anyone who calls themselves an agent or broker.
“They will ensure licensing and certification, and they will also inspect offices, because you shouldn’t sit under a tree and call yourself an agent. You cannot call yourself an agent or broker if you don’t have a license and an office,” he explained.
Watch the video below:
Source: GhanaWeb