- Enugu State House of Assembly moved to regulate tenancy fees with a bill aimed at capping agency and legal fees while banning caution fees
- Agency and legal fees capped at 10% of annual rent, with penalties for violations, including fines and prison time
- TheRadar compiled public reactions to the bill with many showing support and calling for similar measures in other Nigerian states
The Enugu State House of Assembly has taken steps towards regulating tenancy-related fees with the introduction of a bill aimed at capping agency and legal fees while banning caution fees charged by landlords.
This proposed legislation has sparked widespread public interest, with many calling for similar measures to be adopted in other states such as Lagos and Port Harcourt.
Enugu bill seeks to abolish caution fees, protect tenants
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the bill titled “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024,” was sponsored by Honourable Okey Mbah, representing Nkanu East State Constituency. The bill underwent its first reading in the state assembly.
The key provisions of the bill focused on protecting tenants from exploitative practices.
It proposed a cap on agency and legal fees, limiting them to 10% of the annual rent. Additionally, the bill sought to abolish caution fees, the non-refundable charges imposed by landlords that tenants often lose at the end of their tenancy.
Specifically, Section 3(3) of the bill stipulated that agent fees for procuring accommodation in the state should not exceed 10% of the rent payable by the tenant.
Penalties for violations
Similarly, Section 3(4) mandated that tenants should only be required to pay legal fees for the preparation of tenancy agreements, which must also be capped at 10% of the rent.
The bill also introduced penalties for violations, including a fine of N500,000, a six-month prison sentence, or both. In addition to regulating tenancy fees, the bill aims to protect tenants from unfair and illegal evictions by establishing clear eviction timelines and notice periods.
Another significant aspect of the bill is the requirement that agents or property managers be certified by relevant authorities. It further empowered a designated government ministry or agency to issue additional regulations regarding housing and tenancy in Enugu State.
Honourable Okey Mbah, speaking after the bill's first reading, expressed confidence that the proposed law would align with the desires of the people of Enugu State.
He also noted that he was optimistic about the bill’s widespread support among lawmakers and the public.
TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions to the proposed bill, as many citizens look forward to similar practices in other states.
Lagos may follow soon in regulating rents
An aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Jubril Gawat hinted at a similar bill coming up in Lagos State.
The Senior Special Assistant on New Media tweeted that:
“LAGOS … Coming Soon. A Very strong issue but must be well discussed and implemented, after deliberation by the Lagos House of Assembly,”
Public reacts to Enugu‘s tenancy bill
“I love this, I hope Rivers State assembly can see this! Woji landlords will be telling someone to pay 2.5 Million for a two bedroom apartment and you must pay for two two years, what is in the house? Just POP, lightings and kitchen cabinets!
Plus other charges- Total: 6.5M,” SteveTams stated.
“When will Lagos state house of assembly take similar move ? Lagos rent is outrageous and ridiculous, you have to be a tiff or big criminal to pay house rent these days in Lagos,” Edo-Wizard reacted.
“What is Lagos state government waiting for ?” Celebrity Tailor stated.
“Other state should follow suit immediately, especially Lagos and Edo,” Oscar ISK reacted.
“Lagos state already did this in 2021. LSRERA LAW,” Banky added.
”That’s a useless law that won’t protect tenant. Lagos rents is out of the equation,” $lala$ reacted.
“Lols! The law is not the problem, but implementation. Enugu will not be the first to do this. Lagos state has a tenancy law.
“Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law (2011), a tenant can seek redress in court if he/she thinks the rent is exorbitant.
“The law states in 37 (3) and 38 (4): "If satisfied that the increase in the rent is unreasonable, the Court may order as in form TL13 that the increase in the rent be changed to a specific amount.
"Notwithstanding the provisions of any Law, it shall be unlawful for a landlord to eject a tenant from any premises pending the determination of the action."
“The question is, can the law be implemented?” Israel Usolor Stories reacted.
90-day Countdown: Enugu orders removal outdoor speakers at places of worship
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Enugu government expressed frustration over more than 1,000 complaints concerning noise pollution in the state.
According to the report, Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, ordered all religious places to remove outdoor loudspeakers.