Lawmaker to sponsor bill regulating house rents in Akure

By Boye Oyeyemi –

A lawmaker in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, has pledged to initiate legislative action to address the rising cost of house rent in Akure.

Oguntodu, who represents Akure South Constituency 1, said he was responding to widespread complaints over arbitrary rent increases and the conduct of some landlords and estate agents.

He said the situation had placed severe pressure on families, youths and low-income earners already struggling with the country’s economic challenges.

The lawmaker described housing as a basic necessity that should be accessed in a fair and humane manner, stressing the need for regulation in the property sector.

According to him, he will table the matter before the House and work towards sponsoring a bill to regulate house rents and property transactions in Ondo State.

He said the proposed legislation would also push for the creation of a regulatory body to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in the housing market.

Oguntodu appealed to landlords and estate agents to exercise restraint and show understanding while efforts were being made to find a lasting solution.

Western Post reports that the assurance followed a recent peaceful protest in Akure, where residents took to major streets to protest rent hikes, warning that soaring accommodation costs were forcing many into overcrowded and unhealthy living conditions.