The Lagos State Government has forwarded an Executive Bill titled “Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025” to the House of Assembly for deliberation and possible passage.
If enacted, the proposed legislation is expected to significantly alter the state’s rental housing landscape, particularly amid rising complaints over steep rent increases, sometimes as high as 200 per cent, and unclear responsibilities between landlords and tenants.
The Bill is a response to widespread grievances from residents who have alleged unlawful evictions, including being locked out of their homes, having doors forcibly removed, or being driven out through intimidation during rent disputes.
A key provision of the proposed law makes it mandatory for landlords to secure a valid court order before evicting any tenant, introducing a major legal safeguard in tenancy relationships across Lagos.
The legislation expressly outlaws all forms of forceful eviction, harassment and self-help measures, including the deployment of threats or hired thugs to recover premises.
Under the draft law, landlords who intentionally disconnect electricity or water supply, remove roofing materials, or take actions that interfere with a tenant’s lawful occupation of a property will be liable to prosecution.
Section 10 of the Bill prohibits any act that undermines a tenant’s right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of rented premises.
To deter abuse, the Bill prescribes stringent sanctions. Section 43 stipulates that any landlord who attempts to evict a tenant without a court order, alters a building to compel eviction, threatens or harasses a tenant, or causes damage to property commits a criminal offence.
Upon conviction, such offenders risk a fine of not less than N1 million, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
The proposed law also seeks to curb arbitrary rent hikes. Section 33 authorises courts to assess the fairness of rent increases by examining prevailing rates in comparable areas, considering submissions from both parties, and evaluating the specific features of the property involved.
In a bid to ensure swift resolution of disputes, the Bill introduces expedited judicial processes. Sections 20 to 24 allow tenancy matters to commence through originating summons, with hearings scheduled within 14 days.
The courts may also sit on weekends or public holidays, conduct virtual proceedings, and limit mediation processes to a maximum of 30 days to hasten settlements.
Also, the Bill strengthens oversight of service charges and security deposits.
Landlords will be required to issue tenants a detailed breakdown of service charge expenditures every six months, while security deposits must be refunded unless there is verifiable evidence of damage to the property.