What to know about Lagos tenancy bill 2025

What to know about Lagos tenancy bill 2025

The Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 is here to reform housing laws and protect both tenants and landlords. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major changes:

🔹 Applies Statewide – No more area exemptions like in the 2011 Law. The new Bill covers all of Lagos, urban and rural (with limited exceptions).

🔹 Agent Regulation – All agents must register with LASRERA. Collecting rent from multiple tenants for one property is now a criminal offence. Max agent fee: 5%.

🔹 Rent Caps – No more than 3 months’ rent in advance for monthly tenancies and 1 year for annual tenancies. Violations attract fines or jail time.

🔹 Faster Evictions – No need for “Notice to Quit” if tenant owes rent beyond the grace period. Just a 7-day eviction notice required.

🔹 Court Requirements – Tenants must show proof of rent and utility payment to file or appeal cases.

🔹 Virtual Hearings – Disputes can now be heard online to save time and increase access.

🔹 Challenge Unfair Rent Increases – Tenants can take landlords to court over unreasonable rent hikes, and can’t be evicted while the case is ongoing.

“Over 70% of Lagosians are tenants, many spend 40–60% of income on rent.” ~Speaker Obasa
This Bill is a big step toward fairness, transparency, and modern housing regulation in Lagos.