A bill seeking to regulate house agency and legal fees has scaled the first reading in the Enugu House of Assembly.

The bill titled, ‘Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law Cap 101 of Enugu State 2024’, was sponsored by the member representing Nkanu East constituency, Okey Mbah.

Mr Mbah said the move was in response to the growing complaints by Enugu State residents over rising exploitation by landlords.

He pointed out that Section 3 (4) provides that no tenant shall be caused to pay any further premium in acquiring any accommodation except the legal fee payable to a qualified legal practitioner.

The lawmaker said it must be for the purpose of preparing the landlord and tenant agreement, and such fee should not exceed 10 per cent of the rent.

Mr Mbah explained that the offence under the bill, when passed, would attract a N500,000 fine or a prison term of six months or both.

He said the bill equally seeks to checkmate the injustice suffered by tenants through forced, irregular, and fraudulent evictions by establishing a legally defined duration for eviction and other relevant notices.

Mr Mbah added that the amended bill sought to ensure that anyone who wished to be a land agent/manager must be certified by the government.

The lawmaker explained that there was a 10 per cent ceiling for agency and legal fees, and the percentage could be negotiated less but never above 10 per cent.

He also explained that the tradition of caution fees should be prohibited.

The legislator, however, said that the government ministry or agency was given the powers to make further regulations on housing issues in Enugu.

(NAN)