Paul Nnamchi sponsors bill to regulate Abuja rental prices

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill titled “A Bill for an Act to regulate rental payments, prohibit compulsory multiple-year rent demands, housing agency practices, and rent increases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.” Sponsored by Hon. Paul Nnamchi (Rep, Enugu East/Isi-Uzo), the bill aims to establish a unified digital register for housing agents, limit advance rent demands to 12 months, regulate agency fees, and protect tenants against unlawful eviction. It proposes fines of up to N20 million for corporate offenders and between N500,000 to N5 million for individuals violating the advance-rent restriction.

Nnamchi expressed concerns about excessive rental demands impacting residents' finances and emphasized the need for a fair rental framework. The bill has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some questioning its constitutionality regarding property rights while others support the regulation to protect tenants.

Hon. Idris Zacharias (Rep, Idah/Igalamela Odulu/Ibaji/Ofu) acknowledged the bill's importance but urged consideration of broader housing issues in the FCT.