The Lagos State government has called on residents to report any landlords or agents demanding more than a year’s rent, following concerns about the practice. Speaking on a TVC programme, Barakat Bakare, the Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), assured the public that the government is taking steps to curb excesses in the real estate sector.
Bakare emphasized that under the state’s tenancy law, landlords can only demand a maximum of one year’s rent, with the possibility of collecting rent quarterly or bi-annually. Any demand beyond this limit is considered illegal and should be reported. Residents can lodge complaints either at LASRERA’s office in Alausa or via its website.
The government is also reviewing the tenancy law to address issues surrounding caution fees, which have been a recurring problem between landlords and tenants. Bakare confirmed that LASRERA is in discussions with landlords, property associations, and developers to encourage fair pricing and responsible development, aiming to make housing more accessible and humane for Lagosians.
