Lagos moves to protect tenants with new eviction rules
The Lagos State Government has introduced a draft bill aimed at safeguarding tenants’ rights and curbing illegal evictions. The proposed law makes it a criminal offence for landlords to eject tenants without a valid court order or to use intimidation tactics. It also provides guidelines for rent increases and dispute resolution. The bill was announced on June 5, 2025, with support from key figures including Bola Tinubu.
TLDR
- The new bill makes it illegal for landlords to evict tenants without a court order, criminalising actions like cutting utilities or using threats.
- Offenders face fines of at least one million naira or up to six months in jail, according to the draft released on June 5, 2025.
- Courts will now decide if rent hikes are justified, and landlords cannot evict tenants while such cases are ongoing.
- The bill streamlines legal processes, allowing faster hearings and mediation capped at 30 days.
- Landlords must provide transparent accounts of service charges and return security deposits, further protecting tenants’ rights.
