House Seekers Demand Regulations To Curb Arbitrary Tenancy Fees

House seekers and tenants in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, are raising the alarm over rising house rent, accusing real estate agents and middlemen of inflating charges far beyond the actual value of rent, thereby frustrating the search for decent accommodation.

Speaking during a radio “Issues and Views” in Enyimba FM Aba on Wednesday, House seekers say the additional payments often labelled as caution fee, agency fee, and legal fee are now so high that they sometimes exceed 40 per cent of the main rent.

In some cases, they say the total amount paid to secure an apartment exceeded ₦650,000 for a property whose annual rent is listed at just ₦450,000.

“These days, when you’re told the rent is ₦450,000, just know you’ll pay up to ₦200,000 more in extra charges,” said Uche, a tenant who recently secured a self-contained apartment in Ogbor Hill.

“I ended up paying ₦650,000 after they added ₦100,000 agency fee, ₦50,000 caution fee, and ₦50,000 legal fee,” he lamented.

The situation is especially tough on young professionals, traders, and students who say the housing costs in Aba are now pushing them to the brink.

Beyond the inflated fees, some tenants alleged that many of the agents operate without any professional certification or oversight, and sometimes collect payments for houses that are either uninhabitable or already rented out.

“I once paid an agent ₦15,000 just to inspect a house,” said Chimaobi, a resident in the Ariaria area.

“After collecting the money, he took me to an abandoned building. When I complained, he disappeared.”

Housing experts blame the rising cost and chaotic process on the lack of regulation within the state’s rental sector, warning that if left unchecked, the trend could further worsen the living conditions in urban parts of Aba.

“What’s happening is clear exploitation,” said a local estate consultant who chose to remain anonymous.

“There should be clear guidelines on what can be charged, and who is qualified to act as an agent.”

Tenants are, however calling on the Abia State government and relevant housing authorities to step in and introduce a standardized framework to regulate tenancy agreements, curb arbitrary fees, and protect tenants from extortion.

House Seekers Demand Regulations To Curb Arbitrary Tenancy Fees is first published on The Whistler Newspaper