Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - The Lagos state government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges and other exploitative practices in the real estate sector.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai,
disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa,
Ikeja.
According to Akinderu-Fatai, the proposed legislation,
currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, is intended to address
growing concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees and
fraudulent practices by unregistered estate agents operating in the state.
According to him, the tenancy bill is presently at the
committee stage in the House of Assembly and is expected to introduce major
reforms capable of sanitising the housing and real estate sector in Lagos.
The commissioner explained that one of the key provisions of
the proposed law would make it mandatory for all estate agents operating in
Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority
(LASRERA).
He noted that operating without registration would become a
punishable offence once the bill becomes law.
Akinderu-Fatai said the move was aimed at tackling the
activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through
excessive charges, multiple sales of properties and other fraudulent
transactions.
The commissioner further disclosed that the proposed law
would also fast-track tenancy disputes through the introduction of weekend and
public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters.
He added that, when passed, the law would apply across all
parts of Lagos State without exemption.
According to him, tenants seeking legal action against
landlords would also be required to provide proof of rent payments and updated
utility bills before initiating court proceedings.
0 Comments