‘Many can no longer afford a room’ — Lagos assembly demands enforcement of tenancy law

The Lagos house of assembly has asked the state government to fully enforce the tenancy law of 2015.

In a motion during plenary on April 15, Sa’ad Olumoh, member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency I, said there is a need to curb excessive rent increments that have worsened the housing crisis in the state.

He cited section 37 of the tenancy law which prohibits unreasonable rent hikes and provides legal recourse for tenants.

“Excessive increment of rents by landlords in Lagos state has led to the increase in homelessness,” Olumoh said.

Supporting the motion, Desmond Elliot, member representing Surulere I, said rents in his constituency have spiked by as much as 200 percent.

He said the increase was as a result of infrastructural development in the area, adding that gentrification should not justify the spike in rent.

Elliot called on relevant agencies to penalise landlords for raising rents because of decent facilities provided by the government.

He demanded for a review of the law, adding that the provision that mandates tenants to pay two years’ rent upfront, alongside commissions and legal fees, should be reviewed.

Aro Moshood, member representing Ikorodu constituency II, faulted arbitrary rent increment by landlords without a consideration for how much tenants earn.

“Many people earning the minimum wage can no longer afford a room in Lagos,” Moshood said.

In his ruling, Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker, said the issue is beyond rent and also affects the escalating cost of building materials.

He suggested the need for dialogue with real estate stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.

The speaker subsequently directed Abubakar Ottun, the acting clerk, to forward a clean copy of the resolution to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, for assent.

The house also urged Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, to intensify public awareness campaigns on the tenancy law.