The Lagos State Government has introduced a new tenancy bill aimed at controlling unfair rent increases and reducing illegal charges in the housing sector across the state.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, made this known during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
He explained that the proposed law, which is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, was created to address complaints from residents over rising rent costs, high agency fees and fraudulent activities linked to some estate agents.
According to the commissioner, the bill is now at the committee stage and is expected to bring changes to the housing and real estate sector in Lagos once it is passed into law.
Part of the proposed law would make it compulsory for all estate agents in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority before carrying out business activities. The government said any agent operating without registration would face punishment after the bill becomes law.
Akinderu-Fatai said the move is part of efforts to stop fake agents from taking advantage of tenants through excessive fees, multiple sales of properties and other illegal activities.
He also revealed that the bill would help speed up tenancy-related cases by allowing sittings on weekends and public holidays for matters connected to rent and housing disputes.
The commissioner added that the law would apply to every part of Lagos State when approved.
He further explained that tenants who want to take landlords to court would need to present evidence of rent payment and updated utility bills before filing their cases.
The Lagos State Government said it wants to bring order, openness and accountability into the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation by dishonest operators.
Akinderu-Fatai disclosed that LASRERA had increased actions against fraudulent estate agents and recovered over N270 million from fake operators between 2025 and 2026.
He also repeated the government’s position that estate agency charges in Lagos should not be more than 10 per cent of the total rent paid by tenants.
The commissioner said the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains focused on making housing transactions easier, safer and more affordable for residents and investors in the state.