Proposed tenancy law seeks mandatory agent registration, stricter housing regulations, and protection for tenants against exploitation.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at tackling arbitrary rent increases, excessive agency charges, and fraudulent practices within the state’s real estate sector.
The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the commissioner, the proposed tenancy bill is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and is designed to address growing complaints over exploitative rent practices, illegal charges, fake property transactions, and the activities of unregistered estate agents.
Akinderu-Fatai explained that the bill is presently at the committee stage and would introduce wide-ranging reforms intended to sanitise housing and property transactions across Lagos State.
A major provision of the proposed law would make registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) compulsory for all estate agents operating within the state.
Under the proposed framework, operating as an estate agent without LASRERA registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is signed into law.
The commissioner said the measure is targeted at curbing the activities of fraudulent and unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through inflated charges, multiple sales of properties, fake leases, and other illegal practices.
He added that the proposed law would also accelerate tenancy dispute resolution by permitting sittings on weekends and public holidays for tenancy-related matters.
Akinderu-Fatai further stated that the law would apply uniformly across all areas of Lagos State without exemption.
He disclosed that tenants seeking legal action against landlords would be required to provide evidence of rent payment and updated utility bills before initiating court proceedings.
According to him, the Lagos State Government remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation.
The commissioner also revealed that LASRERA intensified enforcement operations between 2025 and 2026, recovering more than ₦270 million from estate agents involved in fraudulent activities.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently maintained that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of total rent payable by tenants.
Akinderu-Fatai noted that the proposed reforms are expected to create a more organised and transparent housing market through stricter regulation of agents, standardised charges, improved dispute resolution, and stronger protections for both tenants and landlords.
The tenancy bill is expected to undergo further legislative consideration at the Lagos State House of Assembly before possible passage into law.
