Lagos Assembly Advances New Tenancy Bill After Second Reading

The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved a new tenancy bill forward after passing its second reading. The proposed law is meant to guide the relationship between landlords and tenants across the state. It also includes clear steps for rent agreements, eviction processes, and the role of property agents.

Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the bill will help everyone—landlords, tenants, and agents—better understand their rights and responsibilities. He also noted the challenges faced by tenants who depend on yearly bonuses or leave allowances to pay their rent, and pointed out that rent remains a major source of income for many landlords, especially with the rising cost of construction.

The bill introduces clearer guidelines for both annual and monthly rental payments. It also spells out how and when eviction notices should be given. Additionally, the bill defines the duties of agents and offers a more structured way for courts to resolve rental disputes fairly and quickly.

Some lawmakers said the bill is necessary to restore order in the rental market and make legal processes around housing clearer. One representative suggested creating a special agency to enforce the law and stop landlords from charging unreasonable rent. Others praised the bill for addressing many areas, including agent behavior, rent levies, and tenant protections.

Another lawmaker pointed out that many housing disputes come from issues involving agents, and this bill could help reduce those problems. Others agreed that connecting rental terms to the eviction process would make the system more balanced and fair for everyone.

After the discussion, the Speaker sent the bill to the House Committee on Housing for further review. The committee is expected to give its report within three weeks.

If the bill becomes law, it could bring real change to how rental relationships are managed in Lagos, creating more fairness and structure for tenants and landlords alike.