New tenancy bill to protect Lagosians from exploitation: Lawmaker
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Stephen Ogundipe, says the new Tenancy Bill of the House aims to protect tenants against exploitation by estate agents.
Mr Ogundipe, chairman of the House Committee on Information, said this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.
The parliament had organised a public hearing on the bill on Wednesday. Mr Ogundipe said the bill contains provisions designed to reduce the financial burden on accommodation seekers in the state.
He added that the bill was a direct response to public complaints regarding high fees charged by agents.
According to him, a salient provision of the bill is the reduction of agency fees on annual rents from 10 per cent to five per cent.
Mr Ogundipe expressed optimism that the bill would foster harmony in landlord-tenant relations and stimulate real estate investment in the state.
According to him, the bill will not only restore the confidence of real estate investors but also open opportunities for new financiers to enter the market.
“The new bill currently under consideration by the House is designed to protect the rights of both tenants and landlords. It will also reduce disputes and remove barriers to large-scale housing development by private investors.
“If the bill is passed into law, it will put an end to many of the recurring controversies between landlords and tenants. This bill will promote mutual understanding, clearly define rights and obligations, and ensure peaceful co-existence,” he said.
Mr Ogundipe appreciated all stakeholders for their participation in the public hearing, highlighting that their contributions would help shape a progressive and balanced law.
He also emphasised the need to review the existing legal requirements for landlords to insure their premises against loss or damage.
The lawmaker also stated that the proposed law grants landlords the right to inspect and maintain their property, provided they give prior notice to tenants.
Wednesday’s hearing was attended by the chairman of the House Committee on Housing, Olusegun Ege; House majority leader, Noheem Adams; and commissioner for housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai.
Also in attendance were the senior special assistant to the governor on housing, Ayodeji Amodu, and representatives from key real estate bodies, including the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.
Others included representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, the Association of Realtors, and the Real Estate Agents Association of Nigeria, among others.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Olubadan lauds Tinubu on release of Oriire kidnap victims, urges rehabilitation
“As a follow-up to this development, the government must ensure that all communities bordering the National Park are fully secure,” he said.
Heading 1
Iran’s new supreme leader vows revenge over father’s assassination by U.S.-Israeli forces
“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers,” he said.
Heading 4
Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One story
The subpoenas seek to compel the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.
Heading 2
Klopp agrees to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach
Nagelsmann resigned last week as the men’s national team coach following Germany’s shocking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Health
FG expands cancer funding, local drug production
“We are trying to domesticate expensive treatments by producing much-needed medicines locally and translating global research into action in our clinics,” he said.
Heading 3
Remi Tinubu begs Asake, Davido, Burna Boy to come rescue poor Nigerians from hunger
The first lady stated that buying exotic cars is good, but noted that the singers can still establish foundations to assist the struggling population.
