Lagos Unveils New Tenancy Bill to Regulate Rent Hikes, Agency Fees

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans for a new tenancy law aimed at regulating rent increases, illegal charges, and fraudulent practices within the state’s real estate sector.

The proposal was announced by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Ikeja.

According to the commissioner, the proposed bill is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and is designed to address growing complaints from residents over arbitrary rent hikes, excessive agency charges, and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents.

Akinderu-Fatai said the reforms are intended to sanitise the housing market, strengthen regulation within the real estate industry, and provide greater protection for tenants across Lagos.

Mandatory Registration for Estate Agents

One of the major provisions of the proposed law will require all estate agents operating within the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).

The commissioner stated that operating as an estate agent without proper registration would become a punishable offence under the new legal framework.

He added that the government is seeking to eliminate fraudulent operators and improve accountability within the property market through stricter oversight and enforcement measures.

Akinderu-Fatai also disclosed that tenancy disputes under the proposed law would be fast-tracked through special court sittings on weekends and public holidays to ensure quicker resolution of cases.

LASRERA Recovered N270m From Fraudulent Agents

The commissioner further revealed that tenants seeking legal redress under the proposed system would be required to present proof of rent payments and utility bills when filing complaints.

According to him, LASRERA recovered more than N270 million from fraudulent real estate agents between 2025 and 2026 as part of the agency’s ongoing enforcement operations.

The Lagos State Government said the proposed tenancy reforms form part of broader efforts to improve transparency, reduce exploitation, and restore public confidence in the housing sector amid rising accommodation costs in the state.