New Lagos Tenancy Bill Bans Illegal Evictions and Rent Increment

The Lagos State government has introduced a new tenancy bill that could change how landlords and tenants relate across the state. 

The proposed law, known as the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025, is designed to protect tenants from illegal eviction, harassment, and sudden rent increases that have become common in many parts of Lagos.

At the centre of the bill is a strong warning to landlords: taking the law into your own hands is no longer acceptable.

Big end to illegal evictions and harassment

One of the biggest changes in the new bill is the clear ban on unlawful evictions. Landlords are no longer allowed to force tenants out of their homes without following legal procedures.

Actions such as locking tenants out, removing doors or roofs, cutting off water or electricity, or using threats and intimidation are now classified as criminal offences. Even hiring thugs or deliberately damaging a property to scare tenants into leaving is strictly prohibited.

The bill makes it clear that a landlord must obtain a valid court order before evicting any tenant. Without this, any attempt to force a tenant out will attract serious consequences.

Tough penalties for forced eviction

Under the proposed law, landlords who carry out forced evictions or harass tenants face stiff punishment. The bill provides for a fine of at least one million naira, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

This provision responds to years of complaints from tenants who have been illegally chased out of their homes, sometimes overnight. By insisting on court approval before eviction, the Lagos government hopes to restore fairness and order to tenancy matters.

Courts to oversee rent increases

Another major change introduced by the bill is how rent increases are handled. Instead of landlords raising rent at will, tenants now have the right to challenge unreasonable increases in court.

If a tenant believes a rent hike is excessive, they can apply to the court for help. Judges will consider rent prices in similar areas, the condition of the property, and arguments from both sides before deciding what is fair.

Importantly, landlords are not allowed to evict tenants while a rent dispute is still before the court. This rule is expected to protect tenants from sudden rent jumps that often come with little notice.

Faster handling of tenancy disputes

To avoid long and frustrating court cases, the bill introduces faster ways to resolve tenancy disputes. Cases can be heard within a short time frame, and courts are allowed to sit on weekends, public holidays, or even conduct hearings online.

Mediation is also encouraged but limited to a specific period, so disputes do not drag on endlessly. The goal is to ensure quick and fair resolutions for both landlords and tenants.

More transparency in charges and deposits

The proposed law also addresses service charges and security deposits. Landlords must now clearly explain how service charges and deposits are used. Every six months, tenants are entitled to a detailed breakdown of these costs.

At the end of a tenancy, deposits must be returned unless there is clear proof that the tenant caused damage to the property. This is meant to stop the common practice of withholding deposits without explanation.

Stronger rights for tenants

Beyond eviction and rent issues, the bill strengthens tenants’ general rights. Tenants are entitled to privacy, peaceful use of their homes, access to shared spaces, and compensation for approved improvements made to the property.

If passed into law, the Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025 could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s most expensive rental market. While landlords still retain their rights, the bill seeks to create a fairer balance where tenants are no longer at the mercy of arbitrary decisions.

For many Lagos residents struggling with high rents and housing insecurity, the proposed law offers hope of a more stable and humane rental system.