The Lagos State Government has put in place, via the Lagos Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025, a draft law to regulate unlawful evictions without a valid court order, harassment, and arbitrary rent increases by house owners. The bill states clearly that landlords can no longer use self-help measures such as cutting utilities or dismantling parts of buildings, which are now expressly criminalized. Section 10 of the bill places a firm obligation on landlords to respect a tenant’s right to quietly and peacefully enjoy their home, prohibiting actions that interfere with basic living conditions.
Section 43 of the bill notes, “Subject to the provision of any law, any person who demolishes, alters, or modifies a building to which this law applies with a view of ejecting a tenant and without an order of the court, or any person who, with a view of disturbing the quiet enjoyment of any tenant, attempts to forcibly eject a tenant, threatens or molests a tenant by action or words with a view of ejecting such tenant, or wilfully damages any premises, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not less than one million naira (1,000,000) or a maximum of six (6) months custodial or non-custodial sentence, or both.
” This responds to widespread reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into their apartments, or deploying thugs during disputes. In a major shift, the bill empowers courts to determine whether rent increases are reasonable.
Section 33 allows tenants to challenge excessive rent hikes by applying to the court for relief. In deciding such cases, judges are required to consider rent levels in the same or similar localities, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances relating to the property. Where an increase is found to be unreasonable, the court may reduce it to a specific amount it deems fair. Crucially, landlords are barred from evicting tenants while a rent dispute is pending.
This protection is expected to bring relief in a market where rent increases of 50 to 200 per cent have become common, often imposed with little or no notice. To prevent prolonged legal battles, the bill introduces accelerated procedures for tenancy cases. Sections 20 to 24 allow matters to be filed through originating summons, with hearings scheduled within 14 days.
Courts are also empowered to sit on weekends and public holidays or conduct proceedings virtually. Mediation is capped at 30 days, ensuring disputes are resolved quickly rather than dragged out indefinitely.
The proposed law strengthens transparency around service charges and security deposits. Under Section 12, landlords must provide tenants with a detailed account of how service charges and deposits are used every six months.
Deposits must be refunded at the end of a tenancy unless there is documented evidence of damage. Section 7 further reinforces tenants’ rights to privacy, use of common areas, peaceful occupation, and compensation for approved improvements made to the property. If passed into law, the Lagos Rent Bill 2025 could mark a turning point in balancing the rights of landlords and tenants in Nigeria’s most expensive rental market.