Lagos tenancy bill mandates court order before tenants’ eviction

The Lagos State Government has proposed the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), which criminalises harassment and illegal evictions, making it an offence for landlords to remove tenants without a valid court order or take self-help measures such as cutting utilities or dismantling parts of a building.

Section 10 of the bill obliges landlords to respect tenants’ peace and quiet enjoyment of their homes, prohibiting actions such as removing roofs, cutting off electricity or water, or interfering with the tenant’s use of the property.

Section 43 further stipulates that anyone who forcibly ejects a tenant, threatens or molests them, or damages property to remove a tenant without a court order commits an offence. Conviction can attract a fine of at least N1 million, up to six months in custody, a non-custodial sentence, or a combination of these penalties. This measure responds to frequent reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into apartments, or using thugs to enforce evictions.

The bill also addresses unjustified rent hikes. Section 33 empowers courts to review rent increases, considering local rental levels, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances. Landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants while such cases are pending, protecting residents from sudden rent surges that can reach 50–200% without adequate notice.

Tenants may apply to the court to declare a rent increase unreasonable. The court evaluates the request based on comparable rents, witness evidence, and any relevant circumstances, and may adjust the rent to a fair amount. Eviction is barred during the determination of these applications.

The bill also streamlines dispute resolution and enhances transparency. Sections 20–24 provide faster legal processes for tenancy cases, including originating summons, hearings within 14 days, weekend or virtual court sittings, and mediation capped at 30 days. Section 12 requires landlords to provide semi-annual accounts of service charges and security deposits, which must be refunded unless damages are documented. Section 7 reinforces tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, access to common areas, and compensation for approved improvements.

Overall, the bill seeks to protect tenants, ensure fair treatment, and modernise tenancy laws in Lagos State.