The proposed Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025, currently under review by the Lagos State House of Assembly, is set to redefine landlord-tenant relations, ensuring fairness, legal clarity, and improved investor confidence in the state’s housing sector.
Speaking at the Public Hearing on the bill on Wednesday at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, described the legislation as a balanced framework that guarantees full protection for both tenants and landlords while creating an enabling environment for large-scale private investment in real estate.
“As of today, there are issues surrounding the landlord and tenant relationship. This bill is intended to make sure everybody knows his or her rights — the tenant is protected, and the landlord is protected,” Akinderu-Fatai stated.
The Commissioner praised the legislators for their extensive research and commitment in drafting the bill, noting that it would “escalate investment in the real estate sector and encourage investors to come in with confidence that when they build, their investment is well protected.”
Highlighting some key provisions, Akinderu-Fatai commended measures aimed at curbing exploitation by estate agents, such as the mandatory registration of agents and the imposition of limits on commissions and agency fees — a move he described as a direct response to persistent public complaints.
He also welcomed the inclusion of virtual hearings in tenancy dispute proceedings, which he said would speed up trials, and the enforceability of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreements by the courts when parties opt for such settlements.
Akinderu-Fatai further urged a review of existing laws requiring landlords to keep premises insured against loss or damage, while applauding the provision affirming landlords’ right to inspect and maintain properties with prior notice to tenants.
The public hearing was attended by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Kayode Ogundipe, and chaired by Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing.
Other dignitaries present included Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, directors and senior officials from the ministry, and representatives from key real estate and legal bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Association of Realtors, and the Real Estate Agents Association of Nigeria, among others.
If passed into law, the Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025 is expected to strengthen the housing market, protect stakeholders, and accelerate the state’s journey toward sustainable urban development.