The Lagos State Government has strongly condemned landlords and real estate agents who impose arbitrary rent increases due to infrastructural developments or other unknown reasons.
The government described the practice as exploitative and vowed to protect residents from unfair treatment.
Speaking during a live interview on “Your View” aired on TVC, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare emphasised that the state would no longer tolerate the exploitation of tenants by property owners and their agents.
She stressed the importance of clearly distinguishing the roles of lawyers and agents in rental transactions, noting that legal practitioners have limited involvement in day-to-day real estate dealings.
Odunuga-Bakare revealed that the state’s tenancy law is currently under review, with plans to introduce provisions such as the regulation of caution fees, which are not explicitly covered under existing laws.
She encouraged tenants to report any violations by landlords or agents directly to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), either in person or via online platforms.
Reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to addressing the state’s housing challenges, she said the government is actively engaging with landlords, property associations, and developers to ensure collaborative efforts and curb excessive housing costs.
She also reiterated the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the distribution of state-owned housing, which follows a clearly defined and equitable process.
In closing, Odunuga-Bakare advised residents to always verify the registration status of agents and developers with LASRERA before entering into any property agreements.
She also called on all real estate practitioners to register with the agency to ensure compliance with the law.
