The Kogi State House of Assembly has approved the second reading of a far-reaching tenancy bill aimed at overhauling rent laws and strengthening protections for tenants across the state.
The Tenancy (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 2007, introduces sweeping reforms designed to curb landlord exploitation, regulate both residential and non-residential accommodations, and provide a clearer legal framework for tenancy relationships.
Leading the debate during plenary, Hon. Akus Lawal, representing Ankpa I Constituency and sponsor of the bill, said the proposed legislation addresses longstanding deficiencies in the current law, which is limited in scope and lacks a structure for enforcement.
“There has been no official classification of accommodation types or rent ceilings since 2007,” Lawal noted. “This vacuum has left tenants open to arbitrary rent increases and exploitative practices.”
Key among the bill’s provisions is the establishment of a Rent Control Board and Task Force, which would oversee the enforcement of rent regulations, resolve disputes, and license property agents. The bill also proposes a rent tax on landlords earning over ₦3 million annually, prohibits advance rent payments exceeding 12 months, and caps agency fees at 5 per cent of the rent value.
Additional provisions include mandatory registration of rental properties, digital tracking of tenancy records, pre-litigation alternative dispute resolution, and criminal sanctions for offences such as impersonation, bribery, and rent extortion.
Lawmakers praised the bill’s modern approach and potential to instil fairness in the property market. Several members described it as a timely response to the housing challenges faced by residents and a strong step toward justice and transparency in tenancy matters.
The bill has now been referred to the relevant House committee for further scrutiny and stakeholder engagement.
“This is a bold and necessary move to reform tenancy laws in Kogi State,” Hon. Lawal said. “It promotes justice, modernises our rental system, and protects the rights of citizens.”
