Report Any Landlord Requesting More Than One Year Rent, Says Lagos Govt

Lagos State Government has urged citizens to report any landlord or agent demanding more than one year’s rent.

This warning was issued by Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), during an appearance on the TVC programme “YOUR VIEW”.

According to Bakare, the state government is committed to minimizing the excesses of landlords, agents, and developers in the state.

She revealed that the state’s tenancy law is currently under review to address gaps in the regulation of caution fees, which has been a recurring source of contention between landlords and tenants.

Bakare emphasized that the law clearly states that the maximum rent that can be collected is one year’s rent, and that anything more than that is unacceptable.

“The minimum you can collect is one month’s rent. You can collect quarterly, every three months or a year, but nothing more than a year,” she said.

She encouraged residents to report any erring landlord or agent to the LASRERA office at Block 21, First Floor in Alausa, or to lodge a complaint via the agency’s website.

This, she said, would enable the agency to investigate and sanction those found guilty of excessive rent demands.

In addition to addressing the issue of excessive rent, the state government is also engaging with landlords, property associations, and developers to promote fair pricing and responsible development. Bakare noted that the government is working to find a middle ground that balances the interests of all parties involved.

“We are not here to make life harder for Lagosians,” she said. “Times are hard, and we are doing everything we can to make housing more humane and accessible.”

Bakare also advised residents to verify the registration status of any agent or developer with LASRERA before entering into any property transaction.

This, she said, would help to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure that residents deal with legitimate and registered practitioners.

Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of understanding the clear difference between the responsibilities of lawyers and agents in property transactions.

This, she said, would help to prevent misunderstandings and disputes that may arise during the transaction process.

The Lagos State Government’s efforts to regulate the housing sector and protect the rights of residents have been welcomed by many. The government’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in the allocation of state-owned housing has also been praised.

As the state continues to grow and develop, the need for affordable and accessible housing has become increasingly important.

The government’s initiatives to address the housing challenges facing the state are seen as a step in the right direction, and residents are hopeful that these efforts will lead to a more equitable and sustainable housing market.

In related news, the LASRERA has announced plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate residents on their rights and responsibilities as tenants and landlords.

The campaign, which is expected to commence soon, will provide valuable information on the state’s tenancy law, the role of LASRERA, and the importance of registering with the agency.

As the Lagos State Government continues to work towards creating a more conducive and regulated housing environment, residents are advised to take advantage of the resources available to them.

By reporting excessive rent demands and verifying the registration status of agents and developers, residents can play a crucial role in promoting fairness and transparency in the housing sector.