Lagos Assembly Reviews New Tenancy Bill, Seeks to Reform Landlord-Tenant Relationship
The Lagos State House of Assembly has begun the process of reforming tenancy laws in the state, with the recent review and second reading of a new tenancy bill aimed at regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State, Including the Procedure for the Recovery of Premises and for Other Connected Purposes,” is designed to bring clarity, fairness, and structure to the rental market in the state.
During the plenary session, the lawmakers engaged in robust debate on the provisions of the proposed legislation. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, emphasized the need to protect both tenants and landlords, noting that housing is a basic necessity and that laws guiding access to it must reflect the realities of modern-day Lagos.
Obasa specifically called for a re-examination of rent payment structures. He suggested that the bill should take into account those who receive yearly payments such as leave allowances or end-of-year bonuses, as these often form the basis on which many Lagosians pay their annual rent.
Several lawmakers spoke in support of the bill, including Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who praised the initiative and said it would help resolve the confusion and disputes frequently experienced by tenants and landlords.
Olumoh urged that the bill should provide clear distinctions between monthly and yearly rental agreements, in order to ensure mutual understanding and to prevent exploitation.
Also contributing, Hon. Aro Moshood emphasized the need for the law to protect vulnerable tenants from sudden rent increases and unlawful evictions.
He stressed that many tenants have faced harassment from landlords and agents, sometimes without any legal justification.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Hon. Femi Saheed, Hon. Ajayi Oladele, and Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, highlighted various aspects of the bill that need to be strengthened.
They called for the establishment of an enforcement body to oversee compliance with the new regulations and to mediate disputes between landlords and tenants. There were also calls for the inclusion of provisions that would define the duties of agents, protect tenants from unfair levies, and ensure that landlords fulfill responsibilities such as paying land use charges and property taxes.
The House resolved to forward the bill to the Committee on Housing for further scrutiny. The committee has been directed to carry out a comprehensive review and submit its findings within three weeks.
The third reading of the bill is expected after the committee’s report.
The proposed law, once passed, is expected to become a landmark regulation that addresses long-standing issues in Lagos’ rental system, such as arbitrary rent hikes, multiple rent payments, lack of written tenancy agreements, and unclear eviction processes.
If enacted, the legislation will not only improve housing stability but also foster investor confidence in Lagos’ real estate sector by ensuring transparency and accountability in rental transactions.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years faced growing public demand for reforms in the housing sector. With rising costs of accommodation, overcrowding, and an expanding population, the pressure has intensified for the state legislature to adopt policies that guarantee fairness and access to decent housing for all residents.
The outcome of the committee's review and public response in the coming weeks will play a significant role in shaping the final provisions of the bill.
