Under the proposed bill: “Any person who receives or pays rent above the prescribed limit commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of N1 million or three months’ imprisonment
The Lagos State House of Assembly has introduced a new bill to define rent payment structures and streamline landlord-tenant relations, repealing the existing Tenancy Law Cap. T1 Laws of Lagos State 2015. The bill, titled “Bill For A Law To Regulate The Relationship Between Landlords And Tenants Including The Procedure For The Recovery Of Premises In Lagos State And For Other Connected Matters”, seeks to modernise housing arrangements in the state .
Lawmaker Femi Saheed described the reform as necessary. “This law is long overdue and will modernise housing relationships in Lagos,” he said . The legislation prohibits landlords and tenants from demanding or paying more than three months’ rent in advance for monthly tenancies, or more than one year’s rent for annual tenancies; violators face fines of N1 million or three months’ imprisonment .
The bill also prescribes notice periods when no agreement exists—ranging from one week for tenants at will to six months for yearly tenants—and allows landlords to issue seven-day possession notices for arrears . Additional provisions include mandatory agent registration, timely rent remittance, commission caps, rent receipts, and virtual court hearings to enhance dispute resolution .