The Lagos State Government has condemned landlords and property agents who are exploiting residents by implementing unjustified increases in house rents. The government has vowed to take action to protect tenants from such exploitative practices.
Barakat Bakare, the Special Adviser (Housing) to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, expressed the government’s position during a live interview on TVC’s “YOUR VIEW” program on Saturday. Bakare stated that the Lagos State Government “would no longer fold its arms and watch its residents being exploited by landlords and agents.”
She also clarified the roles of house agents and lawyers in rental matters, highlighting the limitations of legal practitioners in real estate and rental transactions. Bakare mentioned that the Lagos State tenancy law is under review to include important provisions, such as those related to caution fees, which are absent in the current legislation.
She urged residents to report violations of these regulations to the Lagos State Regulatory Authority, either in person or online. The Special Adviser reinforced Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to addressing the housing challenges faced by Lagosians. She confirmed that the “Government is constantly engaging landlords, property associations, and developers to promote collaboration and also to control excessive housing costs.”
Furthermore, Bakare stressed the government’s commitment to fairness in the allocation of state-owned housing. She assured that the distribution process follows “fair, transparent, and well–laid–out criteria.”
In her final remarks, Bakare advised Lagos residents to be cautious and check the registration status of agents and developers with LASRERA before completing any transactions. She also encouraged all real estate practitioners to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency.
