The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, excessive agency charges and other exploitative practices within the real estate sector.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the commissioner, the proposed legislation — currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly — seeks to address mounting concerns over rising rents, arbitrary fees and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents operating across the state.
Akinderu-Fatai said the tenancy bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce sweeping reforms designed to sanitise the housing and real estate sector in Lagos.
One of the major provisions of the proposed law, he explained, would make it compulsory for all estate agents operating in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). Operating without registration, he added, would become a punishable offence once the bill is signed into law.
The commissioner noted that the move is intended to curb the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive fees, multiple sales of properties and other fraudulent transactions.
He further revealed that the proposed law would accelerate the resolution of tenancy disputes through the introduction of weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters.
Akinderu-Fatai added that the legislation, when passed, would apply uniformly across all parts of Lagos State without exemption.
He also disclosed that tenants seeking legal action against landlords would be required to present proof of rent payments and updated utility bills before initiating court proceedings.
According to the commissioner, the state government remains committed to restoring sanity, transparency and accountability in the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation.
He revealed that LASRERA had intensified its enforcement operations against fraudulent operators, recovering more than N270 million from unscrupulous estate agents between 2025 and 2026.
Akinderu-Fatai reiterated the government’s position that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent paid by tenants.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to making housing transactions in Lagos more transparent, affordable and investor-friendly.
