Lagos Proposes New Tenancy Bill to Regulate Rentals

Lagos State is moving to reshape rental practices with a proposed tenancy bill aimed at addressing questionable agency charges, fraudulent agents, and disputes between landlords and tenants. The bill, currently before the Lagos State legislature, seeks to enhance regulations around rent payments, tenancy agreements, and eviction processes.

It aims to provide tenants with better protection against excessive charges and arbitrary rent increases, amidst concerns of rent hikes of 100 to 200 percent in some areas. The government plans to expedite the resolution of tenancy disputes, including weekend and public holiday sittings.

While responsible landlords may benefit from clearer rules, they could face restrictions on rent increases and scrutiny of tenancy arrangements, potentially affecting their returns. The bill also mandates registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) for estate agents, making unregistered operation an offense.

This could eliminate fraudulent operators while offering legitimate agents a chance to enhance their business credibility. The state has recovered over N270 million from fraudulent agents between 2025 and 2026.