The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to landlords and real estate agents who arbitrarily hike rents across the state, particularly in response to new infrastructure or for vague reasons not backed by law.
Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), made this known during a live interview on ‘Your View’, aired on TVC.
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She said the government would no longer tolerate the exploitation of tenants under any guise.
Odunuga-Bakare explained that many residents are being unfairly burdened by unjustifiable increases in rent, and that the state government is reviewing its tenancy laws to address such practices.
Among the proposed changes is the inclusion of provisions such as caution fees, which are currently unregulated.
“The Lagos State Government will not sit back and watch residents suffer due to arbitrary and exploitative rent practices. Tenants must be protected,” she stated.
She also drew a clear line between the responsibilities of house agents and legal practitioners in property dealings, highlighting that lawyers often exceed their roles in tenancy matters.
To protect themselves, residents were advised to report violations directly to LASRERA through physical visits or via the agency’s online platforms.
She urged the public to verify the registration status of agents and developers with LASRERA before engaging in any property transactions.
Odunuga-Bakare reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to easing housing challenges in the state.
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According to her, the government is actively collaborating with property developers, associations, and landlords to regulate housing costs and ensure fairness.
She added that state-owned housing schemes are allocated through a transparent and equitable process, urging real estate practitioners to register with LASRERA in compliance with state regulations.
The call comes amid rising concerns about the affordability of housing in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city.
