Kogi assembly seeks to stop arbitrary rent hikes, landlord exploitation

The Kogi State House of Assembly is initiating a significant overhaul of the state's tenancy laws, aiming to shield tenants from exploitative practices. A public hearing was convened to discuss a new bill designed to protect renters from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, and exploitation by landlords and property agents.

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This public hearing represents our modest but significant effort at promoting participatory democracy by ensuring that stakeholders and members of the public contribute meaningfully to the law-making process.

The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the existing Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law from 2007 and introduce a new Kogi State Tenancy Law for 2027. This update is intended to reflect current economic realities and strengthen the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in tenancy agreements: landlords, tenants, and property agents. The bill, sponsored by Lawal Akus, the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, comes in response to widespread complaints about escalating house rents and excessive agency charges, exacerbated by Nigeria's ongoing economic hardship.

During the public hearing, Akus stated that the proposed law aims to establish a fair, transparent, and balanced legal framework for tenancy relationships in Kogi State. He outlined the legislation's goals, which include addressing arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, excessive property agent fees, prolonged tenancy disputes, and delays in justice administration. Akus emphasized the importance of participatory democracy, noting that the hearing allows stakeholders and the public to contribute to the law-making process.

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The relationship between landlords and tenants is an important aspect of our social and economic existence. Unfortunately, experience has shown that this relationship is often characterised by numerous challenges.

Akus acknowledged that landlords deserve fair returns on their investments but stressed that tenants also require protection from exploitation. He described the landlord-tenant relationship as crucial to social and economic life, often marred by challenges. The lawmaker expressed his motivation to sponsor the bill to create a comprehensive legal regime that safeguards the interests of both parties and promotes harmony and access to justice. He also noted that increasing urbanization in the state intensifies housing challenges, making a robust tenancy law imperative.

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Against this backdrop, I was motivated to sponsor this bill to provide a comprehensive legal regime that safeguards the interests of both landlords and tenants while promoting harmony, certainty and access to justice in tenancy matters across Kogi State.