Lagos Assembly to regulate Landlord-Tenant relationship
The Lagos State House of Assembly has begun moves to enact law to regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants in the State.
This is evident as a bill 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”, on Thursday during plenary session scaled second reading.
The bill if passed into law would improve the landlord-tenant relationship and also ensure all stakeholders—tenants, landlords, and agents—understand their rights and obligations. The Lagos State Tenancy Bill seeks to redefine the legal framework governing tenancy agreements, rights, responsibilities, and the processes for eviction in the State.
Giving an insight into the bill, Hon. Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) emphasized the importance of the proposed legislation, noting that it is designed to bring clarity and sanity to tenancy matters in Lagos. According to him, the bill promotes harmony between landlords and tenants by stipulating clearly defined payment structures such as annual and monthly rent options, alongside procedures for eviction notices.
He further stated that the bill outlines the roles and responsibilities of agents, landlords, and tenants, while providing legal clarity for the courts in adjudicating tenancy-related disputes.
Describing the bill as timely and people- oriented, Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 2) opined that there is a need for a provision of an enforcement body that can discipline landlords who collect arbitrary rents beyond what the law prescribes.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 2) extoled 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 (Kosofe 2) 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, affirming the rights of tenants and the jurisdiction of the courts in tenancy matters.
According to him, “This law is long overdue and will definitely modernize housing relationships in Lagos”.
However, the Speaker of the House, Rt. (Hon) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, pointed out the necessity of considering both tenants and landlords, urging 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, stressing the need for the government to review its promises on housing delivery and ensure they are being fulfilled.
He, however, committed the bill to the Committee on Housing for further legislative scrutiny and asked them to report back in three weeks.
