The Lagos State House of Assembly has proposed a new tenancy law that will change how rent is paid and how landlords and tenants relate.
The bill sets clear limits on rent collection, eviction procedures, and agents’ roles, with heavy fines and jail terms for those who break the rules.
“This law is long overdue and will modernise housing relationships in Lagos,” lawmaker Femi Saheed said, adding that it will clearly define rights for both landlords and tenants.
Under the bill, landlords or agents cannot demand or receive more than three months’ rent in advance from a sitting monthly tenant or more than one year’s rent from a yearly tenant. New tenants cannot be charged rent beyond one year in advance. Tenants are also barred from offering rent above these limits.
Anyone who collects or pays more than the set amount risks a fine of N1 million, three months in prison, or both.
The bill also sets standard notice periods where no agreement exists. A weekly tenant must get one week’s notice, a monthly tenant one month, a quarterly tenant three months, and a yearly tenant six months. For tenants owing rent, the bill allows landlords to give a seven-day notice to recover the property after certain arrears thresholds are reached.
Agents must be registered under the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law 2021. They must remit collected rent to landlords within seven working days and issue receipts. Commission fees cannot exceed five per cent of one year’s rent. Unregistered agents or those who breach these rules face up to two years in prison, a fine of N1 million, or both.
The proposed law protects tenants’ rights to peace and privacy, banning landlords from cutting off water or electricity, removing roofs, or disturbing occupants. Landlords must maintain common areas, carry out repairs, and issue rent receipts. Tenants must keep the property in good condition, pay agreed rates and charges, and get written permission before making alterations.
The bill covers all business and residential properties in Lagos except staff quarters, school accommodation, emergency shelters, care centres, and hospital or rehabilitation facilities provided for treatment.
It also allows for mediation, sets grounds for repossession, and permits virtual court hearings to speed up tenancy cases.
