Enugu Assembly to check exploitation of tenants by landlords

Group scores Mbah, council boss high on project implementation
In response to the growing complaints by Enugu State residents over the rising exploitation of tenants and prospective tenants by landlords, the Enugu State House of Assembly has introduced a bill to check alleged excesses.

Entitled, “Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024,” the proposed legislation sponsored by the member representing Nkanu East State Constituency, Okey Mbah, passed through the first reading yesterday.

Among others, the bill seeks to regulate agency and legal fees by setting both fees at a maximum of 10 per cent as well as abolish the age-long practice of caution fees demanded of tenants by landlords but never refunded at the end of their tenancy.

MEANWHILE, a civil society organisation, Our Voice, Our Movement (OVM) has commended Governor Peter Mbah and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Council, Sydney Ede, for the laudable development projects they have embarked on.

Making the commendation when they paid a working visit to some of the project sites, they stated that the projects, on completion, would positively impact lives in the state.

The commendation was particularly made because of the 700 hectares of land which Edeh acquired for Farm Estate at Agudene in Akpawfu Community, of which 200 hectares have already been cleared for immediate cultivation this farming season.

The estate is to ensure adequate food for consumption and export in line with Mbah’s food security programme for the state.