The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at regulating rent increases, eliminating illegal charges, and addressing exploitative practices within the real estate sector.

The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to the commissioner, the proposed legislation, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeks to tackle growing concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees, and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents operating across the state.

Akinderu-Fatai stated that the bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce far-reaching reforms aimed at sanitising the housing and real estate sector in Lagos.

He explained that one of the major provisions of the proposed law would make it compulsory for all estate agents operating in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority. Operating without registration, he noted, would constitute a punishable offence once the bill becomes law.

The commissioner said the measure is designed to curb the activities of unregistered agents allegedly involved in exploitative practices, including excessive charges, multiple sales of properties, and other fraudulent transactions.

He further revealed that the proposed legislation would accelerate the resolution of tenancy disputes through the introduction of weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters.

Akinderu-Fatai added that the law, when passed, would apply uniformly across all parts of Lagos State without exception.

He also disclosed that tenants seeking legal action against landlords would be required to present evidence of rent payments as well as updated utility bills before initiating court proceedings.