Spaces For Change Seek Rent Controls, Anti-discrimination Rules In Lagos Tenancy Law

Spaces for Change (S4C) has called for the introduction of rent controls and stringent anti-discrimination measures in the ongoing review of the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025. The advocacy group detailed these demands during a public hearing convened by the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Housing on August 11, 2025.

The hearing attracted a wide range of stakeholders including the Lagos State Attorney General, Housing Commissioner, lawyers, real estate professionals, community leaders, and academics. S4C submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting the urgent need to address the state’s housing challenges, where the housing deficit is estimated at nearly four million units.

Among the key recommendations, S4C supports Section 33 (1) of the Bill, which permits tenants to approach the courts over what they deem unreasonable rent increases.

However, the group argues that the Bill should go further by limiting rent increments to once every two years. It also calls for a clear timeline for landlords to notify tenants about any proposed rent hikes to prevent arbitrary or frequent changes that worsen housing affordability.

S4C’s memorandum draws attention to widespread discriminatory practices by landlords in Lagos who reject tenants based on tribe, religion, or marital status, denying many residents their right to fair housing. The group demands explicit legal penalties for landlords or agents who engage in such discrimination, suggesting fines, suspension of licenses, or temporary bans on leasing activities as possible sanctions.

The organisation also identified the escalating costs of “agency fees” charged to tenants, which often push rental expenses higher. While the Bill reduces the maximum agency fee from 10% to 5%, S4C warns that agents may circumvent this by inflating other charges. It recommends that all fees be bundled within the 5% cap to protect tenants from hidden costs.

Further, S4C emphasises the need for stringent data protection standards in the Bill, ensuring that landlords and agents handle tenants’ sensitive personal information ethically and in compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

The memorandum also addresses the plight of residents in emergency shelters, urging the Bill to define “emergency shelter” to guard against forced evictions that have rendered many homeless without alternatives.

S4C lauded the removal of previous tenancy law provisions that allowed residential segregation in Lagos, underscoring the importance of universal tenancy protections to promote social equity.

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Housing has received the memorandum and indicated that the recommendations will be thoughtfully considered as the Bill moves forward. If adopted, these reforms could mark a turning point in securing affordable and nondiscriminatory housing for Lagos residents.