Lagos residents have commended the state government’s latest move toward addressing the growing housing crisis, following the unveiling of plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges and exploitative practices in the real estate sector.
Many residents and housing stakeholders described the proposed legislation as a welcome development capable of bringing relief to tenants who have long grappled with excessive rents, outrageous agency fees and fraudulent activities by unscrupulous estate agents across the state.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, that the proposed tenancy bill, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, is designed to sanitise the housing sector and strengthen protection for residents.
According to the commissioner, the bill seeks to address growing concerns over arbitrary rent hikes, multiple illegal charges and fraudulent transactions in the real estate business.
One of the major provisions of the proposed law would make it compulsory for all estate agents operating in Lagos to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), while operating without registration would become a punishable offence.
Akinderu-Fatai explained that the measure was aimed at tackling the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive charges, fake property deals and multiple sales of properties.
He further disclosed that the proposed law would also fast-track tenancy disputes through weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters.
The commissioner added that tenants intending to institute legal action against landlords would be required to present proof of rent payment and updated utility bills before approaching the court.
He revealed that LASRERA had intensified enforcement against fraudulent operators, recovering over N270 million from fake estate agents between 2025 and 2026.
Akinderu-Fatai reiterated that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable by tenants, stressing that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to making housing transactions more transparent, affordable and investor-friendly.
Despite applauding the initiative, many stakeholders maintained that Lagos’ housing challenge has never been the absence of laws, but weak implementation and poor enforcement of existing regulations.
They urged the government to ensure strict execution of the proposed law through continuous monitoring of estate agents, swift prosecution of offenders, and the establishment of accessible complaint and enforcement channels across the state.
Stakeholders also called on the government to expand affordable housing schemes, encourage low-cost housing investments and improve urban development planning to reduce the pressure on accommodation in Lagos.
According to them, only effective enforcement, transparency, and consistency in implementation would guarantee real relief for the teeming residents battling rising housing costs in the state.
