- Lagos Unveils New Tenancy Law To Curb Arbitrary Rent Hikes
- Moves To Criminalise Unregistered Estate Agents
- Proposes New Tenancy Law, Weekend Courts For Rent Disputes
The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at regulating rent charges, curbing exploitative practices by estate agents and sanitising the real estate sector across the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
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Akinderu-Fatai said the proposed tenancy bill, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeks to address growing concerns over arbitrary rent increases, excessive agency fees and fraudulent activities by unregistered property agents.
According to him, the bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce major reforms capable of restoring sanity, transparency and accountability within the housing sector.
The commissioner explained that one of the major provisions of the proposed law would make registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) compulsory for all estate agents operating within the state.
He stated that operating as an estate agent without LASRERA registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is passed into law.
Akinderu-Fatai noted that the move was designed to tackle the activities of unregistered agents allegedly involved in exploitative practices such as arbitrary charges, multiple sales of properties and fraudulent tenancy transactions.
He further disclosed that the proposed legislation would also introduce weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters to ensure speedy resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
The commissioner added that the law, when enacted, would apply across all parts of Lagos State without exemption.
He also stated that tenants intending to institute legal action against landlords would be required to provide proof of rent payment and updated utility bills before approaching the court.
Akinderu-Fatai said the state government remained committed to protecting residents from exploitation while making housing transactions more transparent, affordable and investor-friendly.
He revealed that LASRERA intensified enforcement operations against fraudulent operators between 2025 and 2026, recovering over N270 million from unscrupulous estate agents and property developers on behalf of affected residents.
The commissioner reiterated that the Lagos State Government had consistently maintained that estate agency fees should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable by tenants.
He assured residents that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would continue implementing policies aimed at strengthening investor confidence and improving standards within the state’s real estate sector.
