The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the provisions of the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2015, in a move aimed at curbing exploitative rental practices by landlords.
The lawmakers also urged the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to embark on a public sensitization campaign to educate residents and prospective tenants about their rights under the law.
The resolutions followed a motion raised by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who expressed concern over the widespread surge in rent across the state. He cited Section 37 of the Tenancy Law, which prohibits unreasonable rent increases and allows tenants to seek redress through legal channels. According to him, the escalating rent is a major driver of rising homelessness in Lagos.
Hon. Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere I constituency, backed the motion, noting that rent in his area had increased by 100 to 200 percent. While he acknowledged that infrastructural development can attract investment, he argued that it should not be used as an excuse for arbitrary rent hikes.
Elliot further emphasized the importance of the Tenancy Law in regulating the activities of real estate investors. He called for a review of some aspects of the law, including the standard two-year lease agreement, legal charges, and commissions imposed on tenants.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
