The Rent Control Department and the Office of the Rent Commissioner have directed private hostel operators to place a temporary hold on all proposed increases in hostel accommodation fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The directive was contained in a press statement dated May 19, 2026, signed by the Acting Rent Commissioner and Head of the Rent Control Department, Frederick Opoku.

According to the statement, the decision follows growing concerns over continuous increases in hostel accommodation fees charged by private hostels within and around tertiary institutions across the country.

The Department noted that the persistent fee hikes have become a major public concern because of the financial pressure they place on students, parents and guardians.

It warned that if the situation is not properly managed, it could negatively affect access to accommodation and the welfare of students pursuing higher education.

“In view of the above, the Office of the Rent Commissioner, together with the Rent Control Department, hereby directs all private hostel owners, facility managers, operators, and stakeholders within the student accommodation sector to place a TEMPORAL HOLD on all or any intended or proposed increment in hostel accommodation fees for 2026/2027 academic year until further notice,” the statement said.

The Department also announced a stakeholder engagement meeting involving private hostel owners, managers, student representative bodies, tertiary institution authorities and other relevant stakeholders to discuss developments within the student accommodation sector.

According to the statement, the meeting will focus on concerns relating to hostel fee increases, compliance with rent regulations and consumer protection provisions, as well as practical measures to ensure affordability and fairness in the sector.

The engagement is also expected to promote transparency and accountability within the student hostel accommodation system.

The Rent Control Department urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the directive and participate in the engagement process in the interest of students, parents, educational institutions and national development.

The Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and responsible regulation within the rental and accommodation sector across the country.