LAGOS TENANCY LAW PROTECTS BOTH LANDLORDS, TENANTS – TORIOLA
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The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdul-Hafis Toriola has reiterated that the Lagos State Tenancy Law was enacted to ensure fairness and balance in the relationship between landlords and tenants, contrary to the widespread perception that the law favours tenants more than property owners.
Speaking during a television interview on Arise TV on Saturday on the programme, “Dissecting the Lagos Rent Market,” Toriola explained that the ultimate objective of the Lagos State Government is to promote peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationships among all stakeholders in the housing sector.
According to him, the State Government recognises the challenges posed by the high demand for housing in Lagos, which continues to exceed available supply, thereby contributing to rising accommodation costs across the State.
He noted that, in response to these challenges, the Government has intensified public sensitisation efforts to ensure that residents are aware of the available channels for lodging complaints when they experience unfair treatment during housing transactions.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) has received 505 housing-related petitions in 2026 alone, out of which 319 cases have been successfully resolved.
He further revealed that LASRERA has facilitated the recovery of over ₦380 million from landlords and developers in favour of aggrieved tenants, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of all parties.
Toriola clarified that the Lagos State Tenancy Law does not prescribe specific rental amounts that landlords may charge. Rather, the law provides that rental values should be determined in accordance with prevailing market rates within the respective locations.
He also identified the continuous influx of people into Lagos State without prior accommodation arrangements as a factor exerting additional pressure on the available housing stock.
According to him, the Lagos State Government is actively working to increase housing supply to bridge the existing demand and supply gap and make accommodation more accessible to residents.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the Lagos State Tenancy Law is currently undergoing a review process aimed at strengthening its provisions and addressing challenges associated with prolonged litigation.
Among the proposed amendments, he stated, is a provision limiting court adjournments in tenancy matters to only two instances before judgment is delivered, thereby ensuring quicker resolution of disputes.
Another proposed provision, according to him, will require tenants seeking legal action against landlords to provide evidence of fulfilling their contractual financial obligations.
Toriola also reiterated the importance of registration by all property agents with LASRERA, urging residents to engage only registered practitioners to facilitate government intervention whenever disputes arise.
He assured residents that the Lagos State Government remains committed to maintaining a balanced relationship between landlords and tenants, while ensuring that all stakeholders operate within the provisions of the law.
He therefore encouraged members of the public to continue to trust LASRERA as a reliable platform for mediation and dispute resolution within the real estate sector.
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