Enugu Lawmaker Okey Mbah Proposes Rent Law Amendments

The increasing cost of house rent in Enugu metropolis is compelling many residents, particularly low-income earners, civil servants, artisans, and young families, to consider moving to villages and communities on the outskirts for more affordable accommodation. The Enugu State House of Assembly is progressing with plans to amend the 2004 Landlord and Tenant Law in response to residents' complaints, with the bill having passed a second reading during a plenary session.

Okey Mbah, the bill's sponsor, stated that the amendment aims to alleviate the frustrations and exploitation faced by prospective tenants. Current rental prices have surged, with two-bedroom flats in Enugu now costing between N700,000 and N800,000, up from N400,000 to N450,000.

In Nsukka, rents for similar flats have increased from N350,000 to N370,000 to between N500,000 and N550,000 annually. Communities like Ugbo-Owa, Ugbo-Odogwu, and Agu-Owa offer comparatively cheaper housing options, despite some lacking basic amenities.

Emeka Uwakwe, a resident, urged the government to regulate landlords' activities to address the worsening situation.