New Lagos Bill Protects Tenants, Bans “Self-Help” Evictions and Rent Hikes Without Court Order

Tenants in Lagos State are set to receive enhanced legal protection under a newly proposed law, the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), which strictly prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without a court order.

The landmark bill criminalizes common aggressive tactics used by property owners, formally making it an offence to harass tenants, cut off utilities like electricity and water, dismantle parts of a building, or use force to eject occupants. Under Section 10, landlords are barred from disturbing a tenant’s “quiet and peaceable enjoyment” of the premises.

Key Provisions and Penalties

· Strict Penalties for Illegal Eviction: Section 43 stipulates that anyone who forcibly evicts a tenant, uses threats, or wilfully damages property to force an eviction without a court order commits a crime. Offenders face a minimum fine of N1,000,000, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.
· Regulated Rent Increases: Section 33 empowers courts to adjudicate rent hike disputes. Judges must consider market rates in similar areas, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances related to the property. Crucially, landlords are forbidden from evicting tenants while such a dispute is being resolved.
· Expedited Dispute Resolution: Sections 20–24 establish a faster legal process for tenancy conflicts. Cases can be filed via originating summons, with hearings scheduled within 14 days and mediation attempts limited to 30 days.
· Financial Transparency: Section 12 mandates that landlords provide tenants with a detailed account of service charges and security deposits every six months.

The bill also affirms fundamental tenant rights, including privacy, peaceful enjoyment, access to common areas, and compensation for landlord-approved property improvements.

This legislative move is a direct response to widespread reports of landlords resorting to lockouts, break-ins, and the use of thugs to illegally remove tenants. It reinforces the state government’s commitment to establishing a fairer, more regulated housing market.