The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges and other exploitative practices in the real estate sector.

The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.

Akinderu-Fatai said the proposed legislation, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, is designed to tackle growing concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents operating across the state.

According to the commissioner, the tenancy bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce wide-ranging reforms capable of sanitising the housing and real estate sector in Lagos.

One of the major provisions of the proposed law, he explained, would make it compulsory for all estate agents operating in Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.

He noted that operating without registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is passed into law.

Akinderu-Fatai said the move is targeted at addressing the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive charges, fraudulent transactions and multiple sales of properties.

The commissioner further disclosed that the proposed law would also accelerate tenancy dispute resolution through the introduction of weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters.

He added that the law, when enacted, would apply across all parts of Lagos State without exemption.

According to him, tenants seeking legal action against landlords would be required to present evidence of rent payments and updated utility bills before initiating court proceedings.

Akinderu-Fatai stressed that the Lagos State Government remains committed to restoring transparency, accountability and sanity in the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation.

He revealed that the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority recovered over N270 million from fraudulent estate agents between 2025 and 2026 as part of intensified enforcement efforts against illegal operators.

The commissioner also reiterated the state government’s position that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable by tenants.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to making housing transactions more transparent, affordable and investor-friendly across the state.