Lagos Lawmakers Push Bill to Safeguard Tenants from Agents

The Lagos State House of Assembly is taking bold steps to change how the city’s rental market operates, with a new Tenancy Bill aimed at reducing the financial strain on tenants and curbing exploitative practices by estate agents.

At the heart of the proposal is a plan to slash agents’ fees from the current 10% to 5%, a move lawmakers say will not only make housing more affordable but also restore trust in Lagos’ real estate system. 

According to Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, the bill is crafted to protect the interests of both tenants and landlords while promoting healthier relationships between them.

“This new bill is about fairness,” Ogundipe explained at a public hearing on Wednesday, August 13. “By clearly defining rights and responsibilities, we can put an end to many of the recurring disputes in the rental market. 

We want to create a system where tenants are not overcharged, landlords can protect their investments, and investors feel confident putting their money into Lagos housing.”

Beyond fee reduction, the proposed law seeks to strengthen the real estate investment climate in Lagos. Lawmakers believe that by making the rental process more transparent and affordable, the city will attract new financiers and developers ready to take on large-scale housing projects.

The bill also includes detailed guidelines for property inspections. Landlords would have the right to inspect and maintain their properties, but only after giving tenants prior notice, ensuring that both sides respect each other’s space and obligations. 

Ogundipe further urged a review of existing landlord protections to prevent property damage and financial losses.

The public hearing drew a high-powered audience, with senior government officials, legislators, and representatives from key professional groups such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria. 

Their contributions, lawmakers say, will help fine-tune the bill to address the realities of Lagos’ rental market without stifling business.

House Majority Leader Noheem Adams, Housing Committee Chairman Olusegun Ege, and Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai were also in attendance, an indication of just how significant this legislation is to the state’s housing policy.

If passed, the Tenancy Bill could mark a turning point for renters in Lagos, offering relief from excessive agent charges while paving the way for a more transparent, investor-friendly real estate sector. 

For the thousands of residents struggling with high upfront costs, the message from the Assembly is clear, help may soon be on the way.