Reps Move to Stop Excessive Rent Increases, Set 20% Limit

The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the frequent and arbitrary increase in house rents across Nigeria.

The lawmakers have proposed a new rule that rent should not be increased by more than 20 percent of the current rate, even if a landlord makes improvements to the property.

The decision followed a motion raised by Hon. Bassey Akiba, who represents Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency. He said many Nigerians are struggling to cope with sudden rent hikes, making it difficult for families to afford decent housing.

The House called on the Federal Government to focus more on affordable housing projects, promote low-cost home ownership, and invest in public housing to reduce pressure on the rental market.

In another resolution, lawmakers also instructed the Inspector-General of Police and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to make sure all security officers at checkpoints are properly dressed, identified, and easily recognized. This, they said, would promote accountability and professionalism in line with global best practices.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, the State House of Assembly had earlier urged the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2015.

The lawmakers also asked the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, to step up awareness campaigns so tenants can understand their rights, especially under Section 37 of the law, which forbids unreasonable rent increases and allows tenants to seek legal action against landlords who exploit them.