The House of Representatives Propose 20% Cap on Rent Increases Nationwide to Protect Tenants

The House of Representatives has proposed a nationwide cap limiting rent increases to no more than 20% of the current rate, in a bid to curb arbitrary hikes and strengthen tenant protection across Nigeria’s rental market.

The resolution followed a motion by Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, who called for legislative intervention to address exploitative rent practices and the growing affordability crisis in major cities.

Presenting the motion, Akiba stressed that the absence of rent control laws has left millions of Nigerians vulnerable to sudden rent spikes, especially in urban centres where housing demand far exceeds supply. The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to expand affordable housing investments and accelerate the delivery of low-cost homes to stabilize the rental market.

The House also tasked relevant committees to engage with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and state housing agencies to design sustainable rental policies and expand housing access for low- and middle-income earners.

Broader Legislative Actions on Accountability and Governance

In a related resolution, the House directed the Inspector General of Police and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure all security personnel at checkpoints wear full uniforms and proper identification. Lawmakers noted that operating in plain clothes compromises accountability and undermines citizens’ trust in security operations.

The development aligns with earlier efforts by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which recently called for strict enforcement of the 2015 Tenancy Law. The law, particularly Section 37, prohibits unreasonable rent increases and guarantees tenants legal protection against exploitation.

Lagos lawmakers also directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to intensify enforcement, while mandating the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, to boost public awareness of tenants’ rights under existing laws.

Outlook: Balancing Investor and Tenant Interests

While the proposed rent cap may offer relief to tenants, analysts note that implementation will require careful balance to avoid discouraging private investment in the housing sector. Stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for a broader housing reform agenda that addresses Nigeria’s estimated 28 million housing deficit through both rental regulation and increased supply.