Mandates Agent Registration To Tackle Illegal Charges
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges, and exploitative practices in the state’s real estate sector.
The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He said the proposed legislation is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and is designed to address rising concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees, fraudulent property transactions, and the activities of unregistered estate agents.
According to him, the tenancy bill is at the committee stage and is expected to introduce significant reforms to sanitise housing and real estate transactions across Lagos State. A key provision of the bill would make it mandatory for all estate agents operating in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). Operating without LASRERA registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is passed into law.
He explained that the measure is intended to curb the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive charges, multiple sales of properties, fraudulent leases, and other sharp practices. The proposed law would also fast-track tenancy dispute resolution by allowing weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related cases.
Akinderu-Fatai added that the law, when passed, would apply across all parts of Lagos State without exemption. Tenants seeking legal action against landlords would also be required to present proof of rent payments and updated utility bills before filing proceedings.
He said the government remains committed to restoring transparency and accountability in the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation. He also revealed that LASRERA had intensified enforcement against fraudulent operators, recovering more than ₦270 million from estate agents between 2025 and 2026.
The commissioner noted that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently maintained that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of total rent. He said the proposed reforms would help create a more regulated housing market through stricter agent registration, faster dispute resolution, standardised charges, and stronger protections for both tenants and property owners. The
bill is expected to receive further consideration at the Lagos State House of Assembly before possible passage.
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