By Bukola Raji
The Lagos State Government has renewed its commitment to enforce the provisions of the state’s tenancy law as rising rental costs continue to place pressure on residents.
The law, originally enacted to regulate jjjj the relationship between landlords and tenants, sets guidelines on rent increases, notice periods, and eviction processes. However, poor enforcement has long weakened its impact, leaving many tenants vulnerable to sudden rent hikes and unfair evictions.
Recent debates in the Lagos State House of Assembly highlighted the urgency of the issue, with lawmakers calling for stricter enforcement mechanisms to protect tenants while ensuring landlords receive fair returns on their investments.
According to housing analysts, Lagos faces one of the steepest rent inflation cycles in recent years, driven by population growth, urban migration, and a widening housing deficit. For many households, rents consume over 40 percent of monthly income, far above international affordability standards.
Experts argue that consistent enforcement of the tenancy law could help strike a balance between affordability and property investment. “The law was designed to create fairness in the rental market, but unless it is enforced, tenants will continue to suffer,” said Adebola Mayowa, a property market consultant.
While some landlords have expressed concern that tighter regulation may discourage investment, tenant groups insist that enforcement will encourage stability and trust in the housing market.
The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Council has also pledged to intensify public awareness campaigns, urging tenants to report violations and seek redress. Industry stakeholders believe that improved oversight, alongside ongoing housing development initiatives, could gradually ease rental market pressures in the state
