What the Proposed Lagos Tenancy Law Means for Landlords and Tenants

Lago is facing a serious housing problem. Many people are struggling with high rents, unclear rental agreements, and constant fights between landlords and tenants. With the population now over 25 million, these issues are happening more often.

The laws that guide renting in Lagos are old and not well-organised. They sometimes give an advantage to people with more money or political power.

 For years, tenants have had to pay two years’ rent in advance and deal with sudden eviction threats. At the same time, many landlords are dealing with delayed payments and dishonest agents.

To fix these problems, the Lagos State House of Assembly has moved forward with a new law called the Tenancy Bill. This bill has passed the second reading and could bring big changes. If it becomes law, it will make the renting rules clear and fair. 

It will help tenants and landlords plan better, solve problems peacefully, and feel more secure. The new system aims to reduce fights, protect renters, and give landlords more confidence in their properties.

For Tenants

Under the new law, tenants will know exactly how and when to pay rent. They will be able to pick either a monthly schedule or an annual schedule. This change ends the practice of forcing people to pay two years’ rent at once. 

The proposed tenancy law in Lagos will also set a clear limit on how much rent a landlord can charge, so tenants will no longer face sudden, huge increases.

If a landlord wants to evict someone, they must send a proper notice, either 30 days or 60 days in advance, depending on how often rent is paid, and follow a legal process in court. Tenants who are locked out or threatened with illegal eviction will be able to take their case to a new enforcement agency or straight to court for a quick decision. 

The law even allows rent payments to match end-of-year bonuses or leave allowances, so salaried workers can plan. Any extra fees or charges that landlords or agents try to add without legal backing will be stopped by the enforcement body, which can investigate complaints and punish offenders.

For Landlords

Landlords will gain a clear, lawful way to handle tenants who do not pay rent. Rather than changing locks or removing tenants by force, they will follow a court-approved procedure that ensures everyone’s rights are respected. This process reduces the chance of legal mistakes that could cost landlords time and money.

The law also brings estate agents under strict rules. Agents must register with the new enforcement body, and they must follow a code of conduct. Any agent who overcharges or mismanages tenant deposits will face penalties or lose their license.

With two payment options, monthly or annual, landlords can choose the schedule that works best for them. The law ties allowable rent increases to simple measures, such as an official inflation rate, so landlords can keep up with rising costs without surprising tenants.

Disputes that once dragged on in court will now be handled faster by the enforcement body, saving landlords from long, expensive legal battles.

For Estate Agents and the Courts

Estate agents will have to register and stick to clear professional standards. If an agent demands hidden fees or abuses client funds, the enforcement agency can discipline or remove them.

Courts will also benefit because every rule about leases, notices, and rent hikes will be written down in one law. Judges will no longer have to piece together old orders or decide whether informal agreements count. The new law will guide judges step by step, making court decisions more consistent and fair for everyone.

Broader Impacts

A simple, rule-based rental system will boost confidence among landlords and investors. When property owners know they can collect rent on time and handle disputes fairly, more of them may make homes available to rent. This increase in supply can help lower rent prices over time.

Renters, especially young people and families, will feel safer signing leases. They will no longer fear being evicted without warning or trapped by unfair fees. This security may encourage more people to move into formal rental housing, reducing overcrowding in informal settlements.

Finally, the law will help Lagos meet its housing goals. By bringing private rentals under clear rules, the government can better include these homes in broader plans for affordable housing, making it easier to track and improve living conditions across the city.

The Tenancy Bill now goes to the House’s Committee on Housing, which will review feedback from landlord groups, tenant associations, legal experts, and estate agents over the next three weeks.

After the committee finalises any changes, the full Assembly will debate and vote on the bill. Once the governor signs it, Lagos will have a modern, fair, and transparent rental law that sets a national example.