The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges, and other exploitative practices in the real estate sector.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
He said the proposed legislation, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, is designed to address rising concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees, and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents.
According to him, the bill is at the committee stage and is expected to introduce significant reforms to sanitise Lagos’s housing and real estate market.
A key provision of the proposed law would make it mandatory for all estate agents in Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
The commissioner warned that operating without registration would become a punishable offence once the law is enacted.
He said the move is aimed at tackling unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through inflated charges, multiple property sales, and fraudulent transactions.
The proposed law will also introduce faster resolution mechanisms for tenancy disputes, including weekend and public holiday sittings for related cases.
Akinderu-Fatai added that the law, once passed, would apply across all parts of Lagos State without exception.
Tenants seeking legal redress would also be required to present proof of rent payment and updated utility bills before filing court actions.
The commissioner said the state government remains committed to restoring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the housing sector.
He noted that LASRERA had intensified enforcement actions, recovering over ₦270 million from fraudulent estate agents between 2025 and 2026.
He also reiterated that agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of annual rent.
The initiative forms part of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to improve housing affordability and regulate real estate transactions across the state.
