LAGOS GOVT TO INTRODUCE NEW TENANCY LAW TO CURB ARBITRARY RENT INCREASES, FRAUDULENT PRACTICES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
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 him, the proposed legislation is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and is designed to address rising concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees, and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents.
Akinderu-Fatai said the bill, which is at the committee stage, would introduce far-reaching reforms aimed at sanitising the housing and property market in the state.
A key provision of the proposed law, he explained, would make it mandatory for all estate agents operating in Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority. He added that operating without registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is passed.
The commissioner noted that the legislation is also aimed at tackling activities of unregistered agents accused of defrauding tenants through inflated charges, multiple property sales, and other unethical practices.
He further disclosed that the proposed law would introduce special court sittings, including weekend and public holiday hearings, to fast-track tenancy dispute resolution in the state.
Akinderu-Fatai said tenants seeking legal redress would be required to present evidence of rent payment and updated utility bills before initiating court action under the new framework.
He reiterated that estate agency fees in Lagos must not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent, adding that the government remains committed to protecting residents from exploitation while improving transparency in real estate transactions.
According to him, the state government has already recovered over N270 million from fraudulent agents between 2025 and 2026 through regulatory enforcement actions.
The proposed law, when passed, will apply across all parts of Lagos State without exception, as part of efforts to restore order and accountability in the housing sector.
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