Lagos Moves to Tackle Rent Hikes, Illegal Charges as New Tenancy Law Nears Passage
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges, and exploitative practices in the state’s real estate sector.
The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to him, the proposed tenancy bill, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and at the committee stage, is designed to address growing public concerns over excessive rent increases, inflated agency fees, and fraudulent activities involving unregistered estate agents.
Akinderu-Fatai explained that a key provision of the bill would make it mandatory for all estate agents operating in Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority. He warned that operating without registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is enacted into law.
He added that the reforms are targeted at sanitising the housing sector by tackling issues such as overcharging tenants, multiple property sales, and other unethical practices by unscrupulous agents.
The commissioner also noted that the proposed law would introduce faster resolution mechanisms for tenancy disputes, including weekend and public holiday sittings for related cases. He stressed that the legislation would apply uniformly across all parts of the state without exception.
Under the new framework, tenants seeking legal redress would be required to present evidence of rent payments and updated utility bills before approaching the court.
Akinderu-Fatai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting residents, noting that LASRERA had already intensified enforcement efforts and recovered over ₦270 million from fraudulent estate agents between 2025 and 2026.
He further reiterated that agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable, warning that violations would attract sanctions once the law comes into effect.
The commissioner assured residents that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to restoring transparency, accountability, and fairness in housing transactions while making the sector more investor-friendly.
Lagos Moves to Tackle Rent Hikes, Illegal Charges as New Tenancy Law Nears Passage