Relief for tenants in Kogi as bill to tackle housing exploitation passes second reading at state assembly

The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed the Tenancy (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 through its second reading.

The bill seeks to replace the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 2007 with a more robust and inclusive legal framework.

It aims to regulate both residential and non-residential accommodations, curb landlord excesses, and establish clearer standards for tenancy agreements.

Leading the debate during plenary, Hon. Akus Lawal, member representing Ankpa I Constituency and sponsor of the bill, said the legislation was long overdue.

He noted that the existing 2007 law lacked enforcement mechanisms and failed to cover the diverse nature of tenancy relationships in the state.

His words: “The bill introduces proper nomenclature, standard practices, and enforcement structures that will regulate tenancy relationships across Kogi State.

“Since 2007, there has been no official classification of accommodation types or rent ceilings, leaving tenants open to widespread exploitation.”

Among the bill’s key provisions is the creation of a Rent Control Board and Task Force, which would be empowered to enforce rent standards, mediate landlord-tenant disputes, and license property agents.

The bill also proposes a rent tax on landlords earning over ₦3 million annually from rent, a cap on agency fees at 5% of the annual rent and a prohibition on advance rent payments exceeding 12 months.

Others are mandatory registration of rental properties with the Rent Control Board, criminal penalties for impersonation, bribery, and fraudulent rental practices and pre-litigation alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Lawmakers commended the bill’s modern, digital-friendly approach and its potential to restore fairness, accountability, and structure in Kogi’s rental sector.t

With the second reading concluded the bill has now been referred to the relevant committee for further legislative scrutiny.

“This bill is a bold and necessary step to protect citizens, promote justice, and modernize property rental practices in Kogi State,” Hon. Lawal added, urging colleagues to fast-track its final passage.