On July 10, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly advanced the Tenancy Bill by passing it through second reading, setting in motion a key legislative effort to update landlord–tenant relations across the state.
Modernizing tenancy laws: The bill—officially titled “A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State”—seeks to redefine tenancy agreements, payments (annual or monthly), eviction procedures, and parties’ rights and obligations.
Legal clarity: It aims to eliminate confusion around agent conduct, rental structures, and the roles of landlords and tenants, enabling courts to fairly resolve disputes.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa emphasized the importance of protecting tenants who rely on annual leave bonuses or end-of-year pay, while also noting landlords’ reliance on rental income amid soaring construction costs.
Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi‑Ifelodun I) called the legislation “crucial,” noting that clearly defined rental structures and notice provisions will greatly benefit both parties.
Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) urged the creation of a dedicated enforcement body to prevent arbitrary rent hikes beyond legal limits.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo I) praised the bill’s comprehensiveness—from agent activity to dispute resolution pathways.
Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) stated that the bill affirms landlord entitlements (e.g., levies) while ensuring tenants’ rights and strengthening courts’ oversight in disputes.
Hon. Ajayi Oladele (Ibeju‑Lekki II) added: “For the first time, everyone will understand their legal standing clearly,” noting the reduction in conflict caused by ambiguous arrangements
Hon. Omolara Olumegbon (Lagos‑Island I) welcomed the bill’s focus on fairness—particularly in aligning rent timelines with eviction protocols.
Following second reading, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Housing, with a reporting deadline set for three weeks.
Earlier this year, in April 2025, the Assembly pressed for stricter enforcement of the existing Lagos Tenancy Law of 2015, citing rampant arbitrary rent hikes—some as high as 200% in constituencies like Surulere—and growing housing insecurity . The Assembly also urged tenant awareness initiatives and judicial recourse under Section 37, which prohibits unreasonable rent increases.
Rising rents Spikes of 100‑200% have priced out low-income Lagosians
Outdated laws Previous tenancy laws lacked mechanisms for predictable rent structures or robust enforcement
Stakeholder clarity Landlords, tenants, and agents will benefit from clearly defined legal boundaries
Eviction fairness Standardized notice and judicial procedures can reduce illegal evictions.
The new Tenancy Bill signifies a major push by the Lagos Assembly to modernize tenancy laws, strengthen protections for tenants, and regulate landlord actions, while factoring in landlords’ economic realities. With the committee stage approaching, all eyes are on whether this legislation will usher in a new era of fairness, clarity, and stability in Lagos’s rental market.
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