Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025 Seeks to End Illegal Evictions and Strengthen Tenant Protections
The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), aimed at protecting tenants from harassment and illegal evictions. Under the proposed law, it will be a criminal offence for landlords to evict tenants without a court order or resort to self-help measures such as cutting utilities or dismantling parts of a property. Section 10 of the bill requires landlords to respect tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of their homes, explicitly forbidding actions like removing roofs, cutting off electricity or water, or otherwise interfering with the property. Section 43 makes it an offence for anyone who forcibly ejects a tenant, threatens or intimidates them, or damages property to facilitate eviction without a court order. Convictions could attract a fine of at least N1 million, up to six months in custody, or a combination of both. The provision responds to recurring reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into homes, or using thugs during disputes. The bill also addresses arbitrary rent increases. Section 33 allows courts to review rent hikes, taking into account local rental levels, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances. Landlords are barred from evicting tenants while these cases are pending, offering protection against sudden and excessive rent surges, which can range from 50–200% without notice. Tenants can request the court to declare a rent increase unreasonable. The court will evaluate comparative rents, witness testimonies, and other relevant factors, and may adjust the rent to a fair amount. Eviction is prohibited while the application is under review. The bill also streamlines dispute resolution and strengthens transparency. Sections 20–24 introduce faster legal procedures, including originating summons, hearings within 14 days, weekend or virtual sittings, and mediation capped at 30 days. Section 12 requires landlords to provide semi-annual accounts of service charges and security deposits, which must be refunded unless damages are documented. Section 7 reaffirms tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, access to common areas, and compensation for approved improvements. Overall, the Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025 seeks to modernise tenancy laws, protect tenants, and ensure fair practices in rental housing across the state.
