Lagos Assembly Demands Strict Enforcement of Tenancy Law to Halt Rent Surge
The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to ensure full enforcement of the Lagos State Tenancy Law (2015), as part of efforts to address the alarming rise in arbitrary rent hikes across the state.
The lawmakers also called on the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate residents about their rights under the law. The resolution followed a motion raised by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who decried the worsening housing crisis fueled by unchecked rent increases.
Citing Section 37 of the Tenancy Law—which prohibits unreasonable rent hikes and protects tenants—Olumoh warned that many Lagosians were being driven into homelessness. He advocated for a review of the law, especially the controversial provision requiring tenants to pay two years’ rent in advance along with commissions and legal fees.
Backing the motion, Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) noted that rents in his constituency had surged by 100 to 200 percent due to recent infrastructural developments. He emphasized that development must not come at the cost of tenant exploitation.
Hon. Aro Moshood condemned arbitrary rent hikes and illegal evictions, highlighting the plight of minimum wage earners struggling to afford housing. He criticized landlords who impose increases without notice or consideration for tenants’ financial situations.
Hon. Shabi Adebola added that the government must take greater responsibility in providing affordable housing options for low-income residents.
In his ruling, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the issue extends to the rising cost of building materials. He recommended engaging real estate stakeholders in dialogue to develop sustainable solutions.
Obasa instructed the Acting Clerk, Abubakar Ottun, to forward a clean copy of the resolution to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for appropriate action.
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