The Lagos State Government has once again issued a stern warning to landlords and agents over the imposition of tenancy agreement fees that exceed the legally permitted limit of 10% of annual rent.
This caution was sounded during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, expressed concern over the increasing reports of illegal practices in the rental market.
“We have been overwhelmed by reports of the activities of these unscrupulous elements making life hard for Lagosians with agreements and commissions that are like asking for an arm and a leg,” she said.
Odunuga-Bakare urged residents to actively report cases where landlords or agents charge beyond the stipulated limit, noting that “the government cannot be everywhere, every time.”
She stressed that the Lagos State Tenancy Law clearly caps tenancy agreement fees at 10% of the annual rent, and all stakeholders are expected to adhere strictly to this guideline.
“We are calling on members of the public not to keep silent but to report such agents and landlords to us,” she added.
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In an effort to curb the growing housing crisis, the government has held consultations with various real estate associations.
Odunuga-Bakare noted that these professional bodies have distanced themselves from those involved in such exploitative practices.
“They have assured us that the people who are engaging in such practices are not registered agents that identify with their associations,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, announced that the government is considering introducing monthly and quarterly rent payment options to ease the financial burden on residents.
“Many Lagos residents are struggling to keep up with annual rent payments. Monthly or quarterly options could go a long way in providing some relief,” he stated.
As housing pressures continue to mount in the densely populated state, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing fair housing practices and protecting residents from exploitation.