The Lagos State government has presented a new bill to the state assembly aimed at overhauling the housing market and protecting tenants from exploitation. The proposed Lagos State 2025 Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill seeks to replace the 2011 Tenancy Law, introducing stricter regulations and severe penalties for violations.
Key Offences and Their Penalties Under the New Bill
The bill clearly defines several offences with corresponding punishments designed to deter malpractice. A central focus is on illegal eviction and tenant harassment. Any person who demolishes, alters, or modifies a building to eject a tenant without a court order commits an offence. Similarly, disturbing a tenant's quiet enjoyment through forcible ejection attempts, threats, molestation, or wilful damage to the premises is prohibited.
The penalty for such acts is severe: a fine of not less than N1,000,000, a custodial or non-custodial sentence of up to six months, or both.
Property Damage and Obstruction of Justice
Beyond eviction, the bill addresses property rights and legal processes. Anyone who wilfully and unlawfully destroys or damages another party's property within a premises faces full cost of repairs and imprisonment for up to two years.
The bill also criminalises obstruction of court orders. Resisting, assaulting, or obstructing a court officer executing an order, or unlawfully retaking possession of a property after removal under a warrant, can lead to a fine up to N1,000,000, three months' imprisonment, or both. Offenders may also face contempt of court charges.
Other Critical Provisions for Tenants and Landlords
The legislation also holds tenants accountable. Renting a property for unlawful activities is an offence, punishable under the relevant criminal law governing that act. Furthermore, the bill targets deceit in legal proceedings. Providing false information to obtain a court order related to premises can result in a fine up to N1,000,000, one year in prison, or both.
This legislative push follows recent calls by the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, for estate agents and professional bodies to crack down on quacks who encourage indiscriminate rent hikes and illegal fees.
The proposed bill, championed by the state government, aims to modernise Lagos's rental landscape, balance the power dynamics between landlords and tenants, and ensure greater fairness and oversight in one of Nigeria's most dynamic housing markets.
