The Lagos State Government and property owners have come under increased scrutiny as Spaces for Change│S4C, a housing justice advocacy organization, submitted a robust memorandum at the public hearing on the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025. The hearing, held on August 11 by the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Housing, attracted legal experts, housing professionals, academics, realtors, students, and government officials, including the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Housing.
The proposed bill, which seeks to update the legal framework regulating landlord-tenant relations in the state, has generated wide public interest due to Lagos’ ongoing housing crisis. With a housing deficit estimated at 3.96 million units, stakeholders agree that the Bill is timely. However, S4C’s submission revealed serious gaps and offered actionable reforms, particularly targeting practices by landlords and real estate agents.
Landlords’ Rent Practices Under Review
One of the major issues flagged by S4C is the lack of regulation around rent increases. While the Bill allows tenants to challenge “unreasonable” rent hikes in court, it fails to specify how often and how early landlords can impose such increases. S4C has recommended that rent increments be limited to once every two years, and that clear notice periods be mandated to avoid arbitrary hikes.
Discrimination In Tenancy Still Rampant
S4C also drew attention to the growing trend of discriminatory rental practices in Lagos, where tenants are allegedly denied housing based on ethnicity, religion, or marital status. The group condemned such actions as constitutional violations and called for the introduction of clear penalties, including fines and suspension of property licenses, for landlords and agents who engage in discriminatory practices.
Agency Fees And Hidden Charges Raise Costs
On the financial side, S4C expressed concern about landlords and agents exploiting tenants through excessive agency fees and hidden charges. While the new Bill proposes a reduction of agency fees from 10% to 5%, S4C warned that landlords might inflate other fees to sidestep the cap. The organization recommended that all charges be consolidated into the 5% fee ceiling to close loopholes and protect tenants from exploitation.
Tenants’ Data Privacy At Risk
Another major area of concern is the unregulated collection of tenants’ personal data. The memorandum pointed out the misuse of sensitive information by landlords and agents not trained in data protection. S4C called for the Bill to include specific provisions on ethical data collection and management, in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
Emergency Shelters And Forced Evictions
While the Bill exempts emergency shelters from tenancy law provisions, S4C urged for a clear definition of “emergency shelter”, citing past government raids that displaced vulnerable populations relying on such facilities. The group insists that a precise legal definition will help protect displaced persons and the homeless, particularly in times of climate-related disasters.
Ending Legalized Segregation In Housing
Historically, Lagos tenancy laws excluded certain affluent neighborhoods from regulation, a legacy S4C described as a “colonial hangover” that deepened social inequality. The organization commended the removal of this exemption in the new Bill, calling it a step towards equitable housing access for all Lagosians.
Government’s Response
In response, the House Committee on Housing acknowledged the memorandum and assured stakeholders that all recommendations would be “dispassionately considered” during the legislative review process.
S4C believes that, if strengthened, the Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025 can be a transformational tool for balancing the power dynamics between landlords and tenants in Lagos State. The group emphasized that government accountability, combined with stricter regulation of landlord practices, is critical to addressing the housing crisis and promoting social justice.