The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2015 in order to address the issue of illegal and excessive rent increases by landlords across the state.
This resolution came during a plenary session following a motion moved by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who highlighted the urgent need to curb the rising trend of arbitrary rent hikes.
He referenced Section 37 of the Tenancy Law, which prohibits unreasonable rent increases and offers legal avenues for tenants to challenge such actions in court.
Olumoh warned that unchecked rent hikes are contributing to the growing number of homeless individuals in the state.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Desmond Elliot noted that rent increases in his Surulere I constituency have surged by 100 to 200 percent.
While acknowledging the impact of infrastructural development, he maintained that it should not justify arbitrary rent increases.
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Elliot also called for a review of the two-year tenancy agreement term, as well as agency and legal fees.
Hon. Aro Moshood criticized landlords for disregarding tenants’ income levels and condemned evictions conducted without proper legal processes.
“Many people earning minimum wage can’t even afford a room,” he stated.
Hon. Shabi Adebola urged the government to provide more low-cost housing options to assist the less privileged.
In his ruling, Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa underscored the necessity for a broader conversation, including the rising cost of building materials.
He directed the House Committee on Housing, chaired by Hon. Ege Olusegun, to summon relevant stakeholders and agencies for discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions.
The House also resolved to involve the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in raising public awareness about the provisions of the Tenancy Law.
In another matter, the House passed a bill for the third time to establish the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.
The Speaker subsequently instructed the Acting Clerk, Mr. Abubakar Ottun, to forward a finalized copy to the governor for assent.
