BREAKING: Lagos State Updates Tenancy Law to Strengthen Tenant Rights, Regulate Landlord Conduct

In a significant move aimed at curbing exploitative housing practices and ensuring fairer landlord-tenant relations, the Lagos State Government has updated the Lagos Tenancy Law with new provisions designed to better protect tenants across the state.

The revised law, which came into effect this week, introduces stricter regulations on rent collection, agreement fees, eviction procedures, and tenants' rights — marking one of the most tenant-focused reforms in Lagos in recent years.

Key Highlights of the Updated Lagos Tenancy Law:

1. Advance Rent Restrictions

Landlords can no longer demand more than three (3) months’ rent in advance from sitting tenants. The same applies to tenants, who are barred from offering more than three months' rent upfront.

Penalty: Offenders risk fines of up to ₦100,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.

2. Mandatory Rent Receipts

Landlords are now legally obligated to issue a rent receipt for every payment received. This receipt must detail:

• Date of payment

• Names of tenant and landlord

• Property location

• Amount paid

• Period covered by the payment

Failure to issue a receipt may attract a ₦10,000 fine.

3. Cap on Tenancy Agreement Fees

The law reinforces a 10% cap on tenancy agreement fees relative to the annual rent. Agents or landlords charging more than this are violating state law.

Example:

If annual rent is ₦1,000,000 — legal and agreement fees combined must not exceed ₦100,000.

4. Notice Periods for Termination (If No Written Agreement Exists):

• Weekly tenant: One week’s noticeo

• Monthly tenant: One month’s notice

• Quarterly/Half-yearly tenant: Three months’ notice

• Yearly tenant: Six months’ notice

Note: If a monthly tenant owes rent for three months, landlords may seek court possession.

5. Tenant Rights Are Explicitly Recognized:

• Tenants now enjoy enforceable rights to:

• Reasonable privacy

• Freedom from harassment

• Exclusive possession of rented premises

• Lawful use of shared/common areas

Tenants who upgrade or improve a property with written landlord consent may also be entitled to compensation if the tenancy ends prematurely.

6. Dispute Resolution Framework

All tenancy-related disputes are to be resolved at the High Court or Magistrates’ Court within the jurisdiction of the property location.

7. Prohibition of Unlawful Evictions

The updated law bans self-help evictions or any form of illegal removal of tenants from premises. Landlords must follow due legal process or risk criminal liability.

Reporting Violations:

Tenants who experience violations of these laws can report to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). LASRERA is responsible for regulating real estate transactions and ensuring compliance with the Tenancy Law across the state.

This reform signals Lagos State’s renewed commitment to housing fairness, and a crackdown on unscrupulous landlord practices. With penalties in place and a clear legal framework for redress, both tenants and landlords are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated provisions to avoid legal consequences.

For official complaints or further clarification, contact LASRERA via their official website or offices across Lagos.

Stay with Vice Reports for more updates on this and other key policy developments across Nigeria.