The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to landlords and property agents who unjustly inflate rents, describing the practice as exploitative and unacceptable.
Speaking on TVC’s “YOUR VIEW” program, Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser (Housing) to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), emphasized that the government will no longer stand by while residents suffer from arbitrary rent increases.
Bakare clarified the roles of real estate agents and legal practitioners, noting that lawyers have limited jurisdiction in property transactions. She also revealed that the Lagos tenancy law is currently undergoing a major review to address existing gaps—particularly around issues such as caution fees, which are not yet covered in current legislation.
Residents facing violations are urged to report incidents to LASRERA either physically or online.
Bakare reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to solving Lagos’s housing challenges through partnerships with landlords, developers, and housing associations to curb excessive costs and ensure a more balanced market.
She also stressed that the allocation of government-owned housing follows a transparent and merit-based system. Finally, she advised Lagosians to verify agent and developer registrations with LASRERA before committing to any real estate transaction, and encouraged all practitioners to register with the agency to promote integrity in the industry.
