CITIZENS COMPASS—Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday, revisited the Tenancy Bill to foster the relationship between tenants and landlords across the State.
It scaled through second reading.
The Bill also spelt out the procedures for the recovery of premises by the landlords.
If passed into law, the Bill will redefine the legal framework governing tenancy agreements, rights, responsibilities, and the processes for eviction in the state.
With the Bill, stakeholders (tenants, landlords, and agents) will understand their rights and obligations.
During the preliminary, the House of Assembly Member, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 01, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, noted that the proposed legislation is designed to bring clarity and sanity to tenancy matters in Lagos State. Also, the Bill, he said, would promote harmony among landlords and tenants by unambiguously stipulating defined payment structures such as annual and monthly rent options, procedures for eviction notices, and the roles and responsibilities of agents, landlords, and tenants, while providing legal clarity for the courts in adjudicating tenancy-related disputes.
The House of Assembly Member, representing Ikorodu Constituency 02, Hon. Aro Moshood, said the Bill was timely and people-oriented.
He argued for the provision of an enforcement body that can discipline landlords who collect arbitrary rents beyond what the law prescribes. He added that the law will ease the burden on tenants and help them plan their finances without undue pressure.
A Member representing Kosofe Constituency 02, Hon. Femi Saheed, said, “This law is long overdue and will modernize housing relationships in Lagos.”
Other members who spoke in favour of the bill lauded it for being inclusive and comprehensive because it addresses all aspects of tenancy, from agent engagement to rent payment terms and dispute resolution.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, noted the necessity of considering both tenants and landlords. He urged the House to consider tenants who may only be able to pay rent upon receiving End-of-the-Year bonuses and annual Leave allowances.
Obasa also highlighted the rising cost of building materials and the importance of rental income for many landlords. He, therefore, stressed the need for the government to review its promises on housing delivery and ensure they are fulfilled.
