The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for full enforcement of the 2015 tenancy law to address rising housing costs.
During plenary on April 15, Sa’ad Olumoh, who represents Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency I, moved a motion to curb excessive rent increases.
Olumoh said Section 37 of the Lagos State tenancy law prohibits unreasonable rent hikes and offers tenants legal protection against exploitation.
He noted that unchecked rent increases in Lagos have worsened homelessness and forced many families out of their homes.
“Excessive increment of rents by landlords in Lagos has led to the increase in homelessness,” Olumoh said.
Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere I, supported the motion, citing a 200 percent rent increase in his area.
Elliot blamed gentrification and infrastructure upgrades for the spikes, but said these do not justify such rent inflation.
He urged enforcement agencies to penalise landlords who exploit government-provided amenities to raise rent arbitrarily.
Elliot also called for a review of the law, including provisions that allow landlords to demand two years’ rent upfront.
He described the requirement to pay commissions and legal fees along with rent as unfair and burdensome for tenants.
Aro Moshood, representing Ikorodu II, said rent increases were arbitrary and ignored the reality of what most Lagos residents earn.
“Many people earning the minimum wage can no longer afford a room in Lagos,” Moshood said.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the rent crisis also ties into the rising cost of building materials.
Obasa proposed a roundtable with real estate stakeholders to develop long-term solutions to the housing challenges in Lagos.
He directed acting Clerk Abubakar Ottun to send the House’s resolution to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.
The House also urged Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, to raise public awareness about the tenancy law.
Lawmakers stressed that Lagos residents must be aware of their rights under the law to protect themselves from unfair practices.
