The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to fully enforce the Tenancy Law of Lagos State (2015), in a bid to tackle the growing issue of arbitrary rent increases by landlords.
The House also appealed to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, to ramp up public education campaigns to enlighten residents about their rights under the law.
The call followed a motion raised by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who pointed to the worsening housing crisis caused by unchecked rent hikes. He cited Section 37 of the Tenancy Law, which prohibits unreasonable rent increases and offers legal protection for tenants.
Olumoh warned that the relentless rise in rent was pushing more Lagosians into homelessness.
Backing the motion, Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) revealed that rent in his constituency had surged by 100 to 200 percent, largely due to infrastructural upgrades. He stressed that development should not excuse exploitative rent practices and called for a review of the law, especially the provision that compels tenants to pay two years’ rent upfront, in addition to commissions and legal fees.
Hon. Aro Moshood criticized landlords who impose rent hikes without notice or regard for tenants’ financial situations, and condemned illegal evictions that violate legal procedures. He noted that many minimum wage earners could no longer afford basic housing in Lagos.
Hon. Shabi Adebola added that the state government must play its part by increasing the availability of affordable housing for low-income residents.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, in his ruling, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, adding that the issue extends beyond rent to include the rising cost of building materials. He recommended dialogue with real estate stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
Obasa directed the Acting Clerk, Abubakar Ottun, to forward a clean copy of the resolution to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for further action.
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