The Lagos State Government is proposing a new tenancy law aimed at reforming the housing sector, protecting tenants, and addressing unethical practices within the real estate industry.
The proposed Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025, is expected to replace the existing tenancy law if approved by the State House of Assembly. Authorities say the legislation is designed to curb excessive rent charges, fraudulent practices by agents, and disputes between landlords and tenants.
Among its key provisions, the bill makes it an offence for unregistered real estate agents to operate in the state, collect rent without issuing receipts, charge excessive agency fees, or engage in multiple rent collections for the same property. Violators could face fines, imprisonment, or both.
The proposed law also seeks to regulate rent payments by prohibiting landlords and agents from demanding more than one year’s rent from new tenants and limiting rent collection from existing tenants to specified periods based on tenancy agreements.
Landlords would be required to issue detailed receipts for all rent payments, while tenants would be guaranteed rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment of their homes, and compensation for approved property improvements in certain situations.
The bill outlines responsibilities for tenants, including timely rent payment, proper maintenance of rented properties, obtaining approval before making alterations, and notifying landlords of structural damage.
At the same time, landlords would be prohibited from actions that disrupt tenants’ peaceful occupation of properties, such as cutting off utilities, restricting access to common facilities, or interfering with tenants’ belongings.
The legislation also introduces clear guidelines for serving notices, property inspections, eviction procedures, and the recovery of premises, ensuring that disputes follow established legal processes.
Government officials say the proposed reforms are intended to create a more transparent, fair, and accountable housing system while protecting the interests of both landlords and tenants across Lagos State.
