Government Measures to Combat High Rent: Enugu and Lagos

Lagos Set to Address Rising Rental Costs Following Enugu

The Enugu State House of Assembly has recently introduced a bill aimed at regulating tenancy agreements to protect residents from excessive charges imposed by landlords and property agents. Key provisions of the proposed legislation include capping agency and legal fees at a maximum of 10% of the annual rent and abolishing the practice of collecting caution fees, which are often not refunded to tenants.

In contrast, Lagos State currently operates under the Tenancy Law of 2011, which, among other stipulations, prohibits landlords from demanding or receiving more than one year’s rent in advance from new tenants and more than six months’ rent from existing tenants. However, this law does not explicitly regulate agency and legal fees, nor does it address the issue of caution fees.

Despite existing regulations, Lagos residents have expressed concerns over soaring rent prices and associated fees. Many tenants feel burdened by arbitrary charges and are calling for more comprehensive government intervention to protect their interests.