The Lagos State House of Assembly has progressed deliberations on a proposed law aimed at regulating landlord-tenant relationships, as the Tenancy Bill passed second reading during Thursday’s plenary session.
Titled “A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State,” the legislation seeks to define the legal responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and estate agents, while also standardising eviction and rent procedures.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the bill is designed to address longstanding gaps in the current tenancy framework. He noted that the law would clearly outline the steps for recovering premises, as well as obligations tied to rental agreements.
Obasa urged lawmakers to factor in the financial realities of residents who depend on end-of-year bonuses and leave allowances to pay rent. At the same time, he acknowledged that rising construction costs have increased landlords’ reliance on rental income.
He added that the proposed legislation aligns with the state government’s broader housing commitments, which he said must be revisited to ensure they are effectively implemented.
Following debate, the Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing for further legislative input, directing the committee to submit its report within three weeks.
In his contribution, Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I) said the proposed law offers structure and legal clarity to a sector often marked by informal arrangements. He stated that the bill provides a framework for determining rent schedules—monthly or yearly—as well as clear guidelines for issuing eviction notices.
Olumoh said the bill defines the roles of all parties involved in tenancy agreements and ensures courts have legal guidance to adjudicate disputes promptly and fairly.
Also speaking, Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) called for the inclusion of an enforcement mechanism within the bill to prevent arbitrary rent hikes. He said this would support tenants in planning their finances and prevent undue exploitation.
Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo I) described the bill as comprehensive, noting that it addresses agent conduct, agreement documentation, and conflict resolution processes.
Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) said the proposed law helps establish landlord rights concerning levies such as tenement rates and land use charges, while also affirming the authority of the courts in handling tenancy disputes.
Ajayi Oladele (Ibeju-Lekki II) pointed out that the bill has the potential to reduce conflict often caused by estate agents acting outside legal boundaries.
Omolara Olumegbon (Lagos-Island I) praised the bill for promoting a balanced approach to issues such as payment timelines and corresponding eviction procedures.
The Assembly will await the committee’s report before taking the next steps in the legislative process.
