In a move aimed at protecting tenants and addressing the rising cost of housing, the Lagos State Government has urged residents to report landlords or agents who demand more than one year’s rent in advance.
This announcement was made by Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), during an interview on TVC’s Your View.
She emphasized that the government is serious about regulating the real estate sector to make housing fair and accessible for everyone.
“The minimum you can collect is one month’s rent,” Bakare said. “You can collect quarterly, every three months or a year, but nothing more than a year.”
She further stated, “If we find the landlord wanting to collect more than one year, they can be reported to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority at Block 21, First Floor in Alausa.”
Meanwhile, Lagos residents are encouraged to submit complaints physically at the LASRERA office or use the agency’s online portal to report violations.
This government directive comes at a time when many Lagosians are struggling with rising living costs and economic challenges.
Therefore, the call has been widely seen as a relief for tenants who are often pressured into paying multiple years of rent.
According to Bakare, the Lagos State tenancy law is currently being reviewed to address grey areas and loopholes, especially those involving caution fees.
These fees, she explained, have become a major source of conflict between landlords and tenants.
The review aims to close those gaps and create more transparent housing practices.
In addition, Bakare disclosed that regular talks are ongoing with property developers, landlords, and estate groups.
These discussions are aimed at ensuring that rental prices reflect fairness, not exploitation.
“Times are hard. We are not here to make life harder for Lagosians,” she noted.
“We are sitting with landlords, looking for a middle ground, and doing everything we can to make housing more humane and accessible.”
She also advised tenants to check if their agents or developers are properly registered with LASRERA before making payments or signing agreements.
Furthermore, she stressed the need for tenants to understand the difference between the roles of lawyers and agents during property transactions.
The Lagos State tenancy law has been identified as a key part of this push for transparency and accountability in housing.
