The Lagos State Government has proposed the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft) to protect tenants from harassment, illegal evictions, and unfair rent practices. The bill makes it a criminal offence for landlords to evict tenants without a valid court order or take self-help measures such as cutting utilities or dismantling parts of a property.
Under Section 10, landlords are required to ensure tenants can peacefully enjoy their homes, prohibiting actions such as removing roofs, cutting electricity or water, or interfering with the property in any way.
Section 43 outlines penalties for landlords or anyone who forcibly ejects tenants, threatens them, or damages property to facilitate eviction without a court order. Convictions could result in a minimum fine of N1 million, up to six months imprisonment, or a combination of both. This provision addresses frequent reports of landlords locking tenants out, breaking into apartments, or using thugs to enforce evictions.
The bill also targets arbitrary rent increases. Section 33 allows courts to assess whether a rent hike is reasonable, considering local rental levels, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances related to the property. Landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants while these cases are ongoing, offering crucial protection in a state where rent increases of 50–200% without notice are common.
Tenants can apply to the court to challenge unreasonable rent hikes. The court will examine comparative rents, witness testimonies, and other relevant factors, and may adjust the rent accordingly. Eviction is prohibited until the court rules on the matter.
The bill further streamlines dispute resolution and ensures transparency. Sections 20–24 introduce faster legal processes, including originating summons, hearings within 14 days, weekend or virtual sittings, and mediation capped at 30 days. Section 12 requires landlords to provide semi-annual accounts of service charges and security deposits, which must be refunded unless there is documented damage. Section 7 reaffirms tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, use of common areas, and compensation for approved improvements.
Overall, the Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025 aims to modernise rental laws, safeguard tenants’ rights, and ensure fairness in landlord-tenant relationships across the state.
