The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges and exploitative practices in the state’s real estate sector.
The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Akinderu-Fatai said the proposed legislation, which is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, is designed to address growing concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees, fraudulent transactions and the activities of unregistered estate agents.
According to him, the tenancy bill is presently at the committee stage in the House of Assembly and is expected to introduce major reforms that will sanitise housing and real estate transactions across Lagos State.
The commissioner explained that one of the key provisions of the proposed law would make it mandatory for all estate agents operating in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
He said operating as an estate agent without LASRERA registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is passed into law.
Akinderu-Fatai noted that the move was aimed at tackling unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive charges, multiple sale of properties, fraudulent leases and other sharp practices.
He further disclosed that the proposed law would fast-track tenancy disputes by allowing weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters.
The commissioner added that the law, when passed, would apply across all parts of Lagos State without exemption.
He said tenants who intend to institute legal action against landlords would also be required to provide proof of rent payments and updated utility bills before commencing proceedings.
Akinderu-Fatai said the state government was determined to restore sanity, transparency and accountability in the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation.
He revealed that LASRERA had intensified enforcement against fraudulent operators, adding that the agency recovered more than ₦270 million from fraudulent estate agents between 2025 and 2026.
The commissioner also stated that the state government had consistently maintained that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable by tenants.
He reiterated the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to making housing transactions more transparent, affordable and investor-friendly.
Akinderu-Fatai said the proposed reforms would help create a more regulated housing market by ensuring proper registration of estate agents, faster dispute resolution, standardised charges and stronger protection for tenants and property owners.
The bill is expected to receive further consideration by the Lagos State House of Assembly before passage.
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