The Lagos State Government has amended its tenancy law to strengthen tenant protections and regulate landlord practices in the state’s booming property market.
Under the revised law, landlords can no longer demand more than three months’ rent in advance from sitting tenants, while tenants are prohibited from paying more than three months upfront.
The update also makes it compulsory for landlords to issue receipts for rent payments. Failure to do so now attracts a fine of ₦10,000. In addition, tenancy agreement fees have been capped at 10 percent of a tenant’s annual rent. Any landlord or agent who exceeds this limit will be considered in violation of the law.
Officials say the reforms are designed to promote fairness, curb exploitative practices, and balance the relationship between landlords and tenants in Nigeria’s most populous state.
