Lagos Takes Action To Curb Excessive Rent Charges

According to Ireporter Online, the Lagos State Government has introduced a new tenancy bill designed to regulate unfair rent increases and curb illegal charges within the state’s housing sector.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, noting that the proposed legislation is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and is undergoing consideration at the committee stage.

He explained that the bill was developed in response to growing complaints from residents over escalating rent prices, excessive agency fees, and fraudulent practices allegedly linked to some estate agents operating in the state.

Under the proposed law, all estate agents in Lagos would be required to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) before conducting any real estate transactions, with penalties outlined for non-compliance once the law is enacted.

Akinderu-Fatai stated that the initiative is aimed at eliminating the activities of fake and unregistered agents who exploit tenants through inflated charges, multiple property sales, and other unethical practices.

He further revealed that the bill also proposes reforms to the resolution of tenancy disputes, including provisions for weekend and public holiday sittings to ensure faster handling of rent-related cases.

According to him, tenants seeking legal redress against landlords would be required to present proof of rent payment and updated utility bills as part of court proceedings under the new framework.

The state government maintained that the overall objective is to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in real estate transactions while safeguarding residents from exploitation.

He also disclosed that LASRERA had intensified enforcement actions against fraudulent agents, recovering over N270 million from illegal operators between 2025 and 2026.

The commissioner reiterated that estate agency charges in Lagos should not exceed 10 percent of the total rent, emphasizing the administration’s commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to making housing more accessible, affordable, and secure for residents and investors.