Proposed Tenancy Law Criminalises Illegal Evictions, Strengthens Tenant Protections in Lagos State
Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025 Criminalises Illegal Evictions, Strengthens Tenant Rights
The Lagos State Government has proposed sweeping reforms to the rental housing framework with a new Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, aimed at curbing illegal evictions, regulating rent increases, and strengthening tenant protections in Nigeria’s most pressured housing market.
Under the proposed Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025, landlords will no longer be permitted to evict tenants without a valid court order. The draft legislation formally outlaws harassment, intimidation, and self-help eviction practices, including the removal of roofs, disconnection of utilities, or physical alteration of properties intended to force tenants out.
According to the provisions of the bill, landlords are legally obligated to respect tenants’ right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their premises throughout the duration of a tenancy. Any deliberate action that interferes with this right constitutes a criminal offence.
Criminal Penalties for Illegal Evictions
The bill introduces clear sanctions for unlawful eviction practices. Any landlord or agent found guilty of forcibly ejecting a tenant, damaging property, or attempting eviction without judicial authorisation faces penalties of no less than ₦1 million in fines, custodial or non-custodial sentences of up to six months, or both.
This provision directly addresses long-standing complaints across Lagos, where tenants frequently report lockouts, forced entry into apartments, and the use of intimidation tactics during tenancy disputes.
Judicial Oversight of Rent Increases
Beyond eviction controls, the proposed law significantly expands the role of the courts in resolving rent disputes. Tenants will be entitled to challenge rent increases they consider excessive, with courts mandated to assess fairness based on prevailing rent levels in comparable locations, evidence from both parties, and specific circumstances affecting the property.
Crucially, landlords will be prohibited from evicting tenants while such disputes are under judicial review. This safeguard is designed to protect tenants from retaliatory evictions, particularly in a market where rent hikes of between 50 and 200 per cent have become increasingly common.
Faster Dispute Resolution and Modernised Court Processes
To prevent prolonged litigation, the bill introduces expedited procedures for tenancy cases. Legal actions may be initiated through originating summons, hearings must commence within 14 days, and courts are empowered to sit virtually, on weekends, or during public holidays. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, are capped at 30 days to avoid delays.
These measures reflect an effort to modernise dispute resolution in line with the realities of Lagos’s high-volume rental market.
Greater Transparency in Charges and Deposits
The proposed legislation also strengthens financial transparency between landlords and tenants. Landlords will be required to provide biannual accounts detailing the use of service charges and security deposits. Refundable deposits must be returned at the end of a tenancy, except in cases of documented damage attributable to the tenant.
In addition, tenants retain statutory rights to privacy, access to common areas, peaceful enjoyment of their homes, and compensation for approved improvements made to the property.
Implications for Lagos’ Housing Market
The bill represents one of the most comprehensive attempts by any Nigerian state to rebalance landlord–tenant relations through enforceable legal protections. For investors and property owners, it introduces clearer compliance standards and legal certainty. For tenants, it offers stronger safeguards against arbitrary displacement in a city grappling with rising rents and limited housing supply.
If enacted, the legislation could serve as a reference framework for tenancy reforms across other urban centres in Nigeria, particularly as housing affordability and rental security become increasingly central policy concerns.
Conclusion
The Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill signals a decisive shift toward rule-based regulation of the rental housing market. By criminalising illegal evictions, empowering courts to moderate rent disputes, and enforcing transparency in tenancy agreements, the proposed law aims to promote stability, fairness, and confidence across the housing value chain. Its implementation will be closely watched by policymakers, investors, and urban residents alike as Lagos seeks to balance private property rights with social protection in a rapidly evolving city.
