A legal practitioner, Oluwatobiloba Fatoki, has urged landlords and agents to always consider a reasonable rent increase and provide tenants with basic amenities and house maintenance.

Mr Fatoki, a former spokesperson for the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan chapter, called on landlords and agents to always comply with the existing tenancy laws.

During an interview with journalists in Ibadan on Monday, he decried the poor implementation of the tenancy laws due to a lack of awareness by tenants.

Mr Fatoki identified bribery, corruption, and limited resources as factors affecting the implementation of laws guiding tenancy in the state.

He, however, called for the establishment of a functional rent tribunal, affordable housing, effective rent regulation, and monitoring to address rent hikes across the country.

The ex-NBA spokesperson also stressed the need for incentives for property developers to build affordable housing and enlightenment of tenants on their rights and review of existing laws.

Mr Fatoki emphasised the need for public-private partnerships for affordable housing and policies to reduce inflation and stabilise the economy.

“There is a need to enhance urban planning and infrastructure development, increase access to housing finance and promote rent subsidies.

“Landlords and agents should comply with existing laws and regulations, consider reasonable rent increases, and provide necessary amenities and maintenance.

“Tenants should be aware of their rights, report violations to authorities, seek legal redress when necessary and organise tenant associations,” Mr Fatoki said.

He noted that the Oyo State Tenancy Law (2016) regulates advance payments.

(NAN)