The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the full implementation of the Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2015 in a bid to address rising rent prices across the state.
The lawmakers also urged the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, to step up public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on their rights under the law.
The resolutions followed a motion by Mr. Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I), who raised concerns over the growing housing crisis fueled by unchecked rent hikes.
He cited Section 37 of the Tenancy Law, which prohibits arbitrary increases in rent and offers tenants legal protection against exploitation.
Backing the motion, Mr. Desmond Elliot (Surulere I) said rent in his constituency had risen by up to 200 per cent, linking the surge to recent infrastructural upgrades.
He, however, argued that such development should not be an excuse for exploitative pricing.
Elliot further called for a review of the law, particularly the provision requiring tenants to pay up to two years’ rent in advance, along with commissions and legal fees.
Also speaking, Mr. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) condemned landlords who impose new rent figures without proper notice or regard for tenants’ income levels, describing such actions as illegal under the existing law.
He also decried the trend of unlawful evictions without court orders.
On his part, Mr. Shabi Adebola (Mainland I) urged the state government to increase investment in low-cost housing to reduce the burden on low-income earners.
In his remarks, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa acknowledged the urgency of the issue, noting that rent hikes were compounded by the rising costs of building materials.
He called for a broader dialogue with stakeholders in the real estate sector to develop lasting solutions.
The Speaker subsequently directed the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Abubakar Ottun, to transmit the resolution to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for executive action.
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