The Lagos State government has warned against unlawful charges and insisted that no agent or landlord shall charge more than 10% of the state’s annual rent for tenancy agreement fees.
Speaking during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, Ms. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Housing, cautioned against charging homebuyers exorbitant tenancy agreement costs.
“Any landlord or agent found demanding or collecting more than 10% of the annual rent as agreement or legal fees is in direct violation of the state’s tenancy regulations,” she said, emphasizing the Lagos State Tenancy Law’s clarity and plain nature.
The governor’s aide expressed alarm over accusations of unscrupulous tactics, saying, “We have been inundated with reports of these unscrupulous elements making life difficult for Lagosians with commissions and agreements that are like asking for an arm and a leg.”
“We are urging the public to report such agents and landlords to us rather than remain silent because the government cannot be everywhere at once.”
Ms. Odunuga-Bakare acknowledged the enormous strain that the country’s growing population and rising rural-urban migration have placed on the state’s housing sector, which has regrettably given some people the chance to take advantage of the weaker citizens.
To safeguard the interests of Lagosians, she did, however, adamantly stress that the state government is committed to policing and cleaning the housing industry.
Additionally, the Special Adviser emphasized the government’s cooperation with recognized real estate agent associations.
“Associations of real estate agents with whom we have met have assured us that those involved in these practices are not registered agents who belong to their associations,” she said.
According to the lawyer, these unlawful actions are frequently carried out by unregistered people who do not fall under the jurisdiction of recognized professional associations.She urged all residents to report instances to the Lagos State Real Estate Commission if they receive demands for tenancy agreement fees that above the constitutionally required 10%.
This call to action is intended to empower residents and guarantee the efficient implementation of the tenancy law, which would promote a more equitable and transparent housing market in Lagos State, according to the Regulating Authority (LASRERA) on Facebook, Instagram: lasrera 1 and X (formerly Twitter) @lasrera.
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