The Lagos State government has announced plans to introduce a new tenancy law designed to tackle unfair rent increases, illegal charges, and other exploitative practices within the real estate sector.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, revealed the development during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the commissioner, the proposed bill, which is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeks to address rising concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees, and fraudulent activities allegedly carried out by unregistered estate agents in the state.
Akinderu-Fatai explained that the bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce major reforms aimed at sanitising Lagos’ housing and real estate sector.
He disclosed that one of the major provisions of the proposed law would require all estate agents operating within Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
According to him, operating as an estate agent without proper registration would become a punishable offence once the legislation is signed into law.
The commissioner stated that the move is intended to curb the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive fees, multiple sales of properties, and other fraudulent dealings.
Akinderu-Fatai further revealed that the proposed law would also speed up the handling of tenancy disputes by introducing sittings on weekends and public holidays for tenancy-related cases.
He added that the law, when eventually passed, would apply across every part of Lagos State without exception.
The commissioner also noted that tenants intending to institute legal action against landlords would be required to provide evidence of rent payments as well as updated utility bills before commencing court proceedings.