Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025 Set to Protect Tenants, Curb Landlord Abuses

Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025 Set to Protect Tenants, Curb Landlord Abuses

The Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 is generating significant attention across the real estate sector, promising to modernise rental regulations and address longstanding housing challenges in Lagos.

The bill aims to tackle issues such as excessive advance rent, unregulated real estate practices, prolonged eviction disputes, and tenant exploitation under the existing 2011 Tenancy Law. Key reforms include:

Stricter Oversight of Real Estate Agents
All agents must register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). Agency fees are capped at 5% of annual rent, with landlords’ funds remitted within seven working days and proper receipts issued. Violations attract fines up to ₦1 million, two years imprisonment, or both.

One-Year Limit on Advance Rent
New tenants cannot pay more than one year’s rent upfront, while sitting tenants paying monthly are capped at three months in advance. Breaching these limits may result in ₦1 million fines or three months imprisonment.

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Ban on Harassment and Illegal Evictions
Landlords are prohibited from self-help eviction tactics such as blocking access, cutting utilities, or seizing property. Evicting a tenant without a court order is a criminal offence, punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Tenant Rights and Rent Challenges
Tenants can challenge unreasonable rent increases in court. Landlords cannot evict tenants during such proceedings. Courts will assess rent levels in similar areas and any special circumstances related to the property.

Faster Court Processes
Sections 20–24 introduce expedited processes for tenancy disputes, with hearings scheduled within 14 days, weekend or virtual sittings allowed, and mediation capped at 30 days.

Transparency and Tenant Protections
Landlords must account for service charges and security deposits every six months. Tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, and compensation for approved improvements are reinforced.

Status of the Bill
The bill, introduced in July 2025, passed its second reading and is under review by the Committee on Housing, but it has not yet been enacted into law.

Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025 Set to Protect Tenants, Curb Landlord Abuses