🚨New Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025: Key Changes Landlords and Tenants Should Know

By Mo. Akeke

The Lagos State Assembly is currently considering the Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025, a major reform that could dramatically change how rent and tenancy work across the city. The bill passed its second reading on July 10, 2025. The bill's sponsor has not been publicly named, and as of December 2025, it remains a draft and has not yet been enacted into law. This means its provisions are still under review and are not yet legally binding.


Here are the key changes proposed in the bill:

  • Real-estate agents must register with LASRERA, and agency fees are capped at 5% of annual rent (down from the common 10–15%). 

  • New renters cannot be forced to pay more than one year’s rent upfront. Monthly tenants are protected from demands beyond three months’ advance rent. Violations may attract fines or jail time. 

  • The bill criminalizes illegal eviction practices—landlords can no longer cut utilities, block access, or seize property without a court order. Offenders face fines or prison. 

  • Tenants get the right to challenge rent increases in court. Landlords can only raise rent with a court’s approval—and cannot evict tenants while disputes are pending. 

  • Eviction and tenancy disputes will have faster resolution: courts may schedule hearings within 14 days (including weekends or holidays), and mediation is capped at 30 days. 

What this means:

For tenants: less financial burden upfront, protection from eviction, and fairer, more transparent rental practices.

For agents and landlords: tighter regulation, lower commissions, and more accountability. Many common exploitative practices could become punishable.

For the Lagos real estate market: potentially more trust, fewer scams, and a more professional rental environment. If passed, this bill might attract more serious investors who value stability and predictability. 

What to Watch Next

  • Will the bill pass and get signed into law?

  • How strictly will the new rules be enforced, especially in high-demand areas like Lekki, Ikoyi, or Surulere?

  • Will landlords increase monthly rents to offset lower commissions or advance-rent caps?

  • Will unregistered agents slip under the radar, or will regulation curb shady practices for good?

If this passes, Lagos could be entering a new era of fairer tenancy agreements, a move many have been waiting for.

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