The Lagos State House of Assembly has advanced efforts to improve landlord-tenant relations as the Lagos State Tenancy Bill scaled through its second reading during plenary.
Titled “A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State Including the Procedure for the Recovery of Premises and for Connected Purposes,” the proposed legislation seeks to redefine the legal framework guiding tenancy agreements, rights, responsibilities, and eviction procedures in the state.
If passed into law, the bill will ensure that all stakeholders — landlords, tenants, and agents — clearly understand their rights and obligations, reports The Nation.
Providing insight into the bill, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh highlighted its importance in bringing clarity and order to tenancy matters, including defined rent structures such as monthly and annual payment options, and transparent eviction notice procedures.
He added that the bill also clearly outlines the roles of agents, landlords, and tenants while offering legal guidance for courts in resolving tenancy-related disputes.
Supporting the bill, Hon. Aro Moshood described it as timely and people-oriented.
He advocated the establishment of an enforcement body to curb the excesses of landlords, particularly those who impose arbitrary rents beyond legally approved limits.
This law will ease the burden on tenants and help them plan their finances without undue pressure.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe extolled the bill for being inclusive and comprehensive, stating that it addresses all aspects of tenancy, from agent engagement to rent payment terms and dispute resolution.
Contributing, Hon. Femi Saheed said the bill is a welcome development as it spells out the rights of landlords, including issues around tenement rates, land use charges, and other levies, while also affirming the rights of tenants and the jurisdiction of the courts in tenancy matters. “This law is long overdue and will definitely modernize housing relationships in Lagos,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Ajayi Oladele noted that the bill will address the lingering conflicts often created by estate agents.
“For the first time, all stakeholders will have a clear understanding of their legal positions,” he stressed.
Commending the proposed bill for prioritising fairness,
Hon. Omolara Olumegbon maintained that the bill handles issues around rent timelines — monthly or yearly — and how eviction processes are tied to them.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, noted the necessity of considering both tenants and landlords. He urged the House to consider tenants who may only be able to pay rent upon receiving End-of-the-Year bonuses and annual Leave allowances.
Obasa also highlighted the rising cost of building materials and the importance of rental income for many landlords. He therefore stressed the need for the government to review its promises on housing delivery and ensure they are being fulfilled.
Following the robust deliberations, the bill was committed to the Committee on Housing for further legislative scrutiny.
The Committee is expected to report back in three weeks.
