The Lagos State Government has proposed a new tenancy law titled the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), aimed at curbing illegal evictions, landlord harassment, and arbitrary rent hikes across the state.
Under the proposed law, it will become a criminal offence for landlords to evict tenants without a valid court order or resort to self-help measures such as cutting electricity or water supply, removing roofs, or dismantling parts of a building.
Section 10 of the bill mandates landlords to respect tenants’ right to peace and quiet enjoyment of their homes. It expressly prohibits actions that interfere with a tenant’s use of the property, including shutting off utilities or damaging the structure to force eviction.
Further strengthening tenant protection, Section 43 provides that any landlord or agent who forcibly ejects a tenant, threatens or molests them, or damages property to compel eviction without a court order commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of not less than ₦1 million, up to six months imprisonment, a non-custodial sentence, or a combination of these penalties.
The provision responds to frequent complaints of landlords locking tenants out, breaking into apartments, or engaging thugs to enforce evictions.
The bill also targets excessive rent increases. Section 33 empowers courts to review rent hikes and determine whether they are reasonable, taking into account prevailing rent levels in the area, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances. Importantly, landlords are barred from evicting tenants while such cases are pending.
Tenants who believe a rent increase is unjustified may apply to the court for relief. During the determination of such applications, eviction is prohibited, offering protection against sudden rent hikes that often range between 50 and 200 per cent without adequate notice.
In a bid to modernise tenancy dispute resolution, Sections 20–24 introduce faster legal processes, including originating summons, hearings within 14 days, weekend or virtual court sittings, and mediation limited to 30 days.
The bill also enhances transparency in service charges and deposits. Section 12 requires landlords to provide semi-annual accounts of service charges and security deposits, which must be refunded unless damage to the property is properly documented. Section 7 further reinforces tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, access to common areas, and compensation for approved improvements made to the property.
Overall, the proposed bill seeks to modernise Lagos tenancy laws, curb abuse by landlords, promote fairness, and provide stronger legal protection for tenants across the state.
