Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government is advancing a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary and unlawful evictions by landlords, officials said, as the state moves to modernise landlord‑tenant relations and strengthen tenants’ rights.

 

Under the proposed Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025, landlords would be required to obtain court approval before evicting tenants, ensuring that tenants cannot be forcibly removed from their homes without due legal process. The legislation is part of a broader effort to overhaul the existing tenancy framework, which stakeholders and lawmakers say is outdated and has contributed to frequent disputes and hardship for tenants.

 

The bill, which was introduced in the Lagos State House of Assembly and has generated debate across the real estate sector, seeks to address several key issues facing renters and property owners alike. Alongside protections against unlawful eviction, the legislation proposes limits on the amount of advance rent landlords can demand, establishes regulatory requirements for real estate agents, and provides clearer procedures for resolving tenancy disputes through the courts or mediation.

 

Lawmakers who support the measure say that requiring court orders for eviction will help protect tenants — particularly low‑ and middle‑income residents, many of whom spend a significant portion of their income on housing — from being displaced without recourse. It is also expected to standardise eviction procedures, which have often been handled informally or through self‑help measures that violate existing legal protections.

 

“We are committed to ensuring fairness and stability in the housing market,” a senior member of the House committee on housing said during legislative discussions. “This bill will provide clarity on the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants and ensure that eviction is a last resort, governed by the rule of law.”

 

The proposed tenancy law also aims to cap agency fees charged by estate agents and enhance transparency in tenancy agreements by requiring formal registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).

 

Critics of the bill, including some real estate practitioners, have expressed concerns that stringent eviction safeguards could prolong legal disputes and affect landlords’ ability to manage their properties effectively. They argue that any legal reforms must balance tenant protections with landlords’ rights to recover premises when rent defaults occur or lease terms are violated.

 

The bill has passed preliminary readings and public hearings, and is currently under consideration by relevant legislative committees. If approved by the Lagos State House of Assembly, it will be sent to the governor for assent before becoming law.

 

Housing advocates say the reform represents a significant step toward modernising rental regulations in one of Africa’s most dynamic and challenging real estate markets.