By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In a bold move to enhance tenants’ rights and regulate the housing market, the Lagos State Government has activated key provisions of its revised Tenancy Law, offering relief to millions of residents facing exploitative rental practices.
The enforcement, which targets both landlords and real estate agents, is aimed at curbing arbitrary rent demands and illegal evictions while promoting transparency and fairness in tenancy relationships.
Key Provisions of the Law
The updated Lagos Tenancy Law prohibits landlords from demanding more than three months’ rent in advance from sitting tenants. Similarly, tenants are restricted from offering more than that amount. Violators risk penalties of up to ₦100,000 or imprisonment for three months.
To ensure accountability, landlords are now mandated to issue detailed rent receipts to tenants. Each receipt must clearly indicate the names of both parties, the date of payment, the location of the property, the amount paid, and the rental period it covers. Non-compliance attracts a fine of ₦10,000.
Additionally, the state has capped tenancy agreement fees at 10% of the annual rent, applicable to both landlords and real estate agents. Overcharging is now considered a direct breach of the law. For instance, if a property’s annual rent is ₦1,000,000, any combined charge for legal and agreement fees must not exceed ₦100,000.
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Notice Periods for Termination
In cases where there is no written agreement between parties, the law outlines the following notice periods:
Weekly tenant: one week
Monthly tenant: one month
Quarterly or half-yearly tenant: three months
Yearly tenant: six months
Furthermore, if a monthly tenant defaults on rent for three consecutive months, landlords are advised to seek redress in court rather than engaging in self-help evictions.
Protection of Tenant Rights
Tenants are entitled to reasonable privacy, freedom from harassment or illegal disturbances, exclusive possession of the premises, and lawful use of common areas. Importantly, tenants who carry out improvements on a property—with written consent from the landlord—can claim compensation should the tenancy be terminated.
Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution
To settle disputes, tenants and landlords can approach either the High Court or Magistrates’ Court within the jurisdiction of the property. The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) remains the official channel for reporting violations and seeking redress.
Government’s Position
The Lagos State Government emphasized that legal and agreement charges must not collectively exceed 10% of the annual rent. “This provision ensures affordability and transparency in rental transactions,” a LASRERA spokesperson stated.
As Lagos grapples with a rapidly expanding population and rising housing demand, this law is seen as a significant step toward balancing the power dynamics between landlords and tenants in Africa’s most populous city.
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For further inquiries or to lodge formal complaints, residents are advised to contact LASRERA via its official channels.
