₦airaland Forum

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

Section 10 of the bill states, “Obligations of the landlord include not disturbing the tenant’s quiet and peaceable enjoyment of the premises, including not removing the roof, cutting off electricity or water supply or doing anything that will interfere with peaceful enjoyment of the demised premises.”

Section 43 of the bill notes, “Subject to the provisions of any law, any person who demolishes, alters, or modifies a building to which this law applies with a view of ejecting a tenant and without an order of the court, or any person who, with a view of disturbing the quiet enjoyment of any tenant, attempts to forcibly eject or forcibly ejects a tenant, threatens or molests a tenant by action or words with a view of ejecting such tenant, or wilfully damages any premises, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not less than one million naira (N1,000,000.00) or a maximum of six (6) months’ custodial or non-custodial sentence, or both.”

This responds to widespread reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into their apartments, or deploying thugs during disputes.

Meanwhile, section 33 allows the court to determine whether a rent increase is justified by considering rent levels in similar areas, evidence presented by both parties, and any special circumstances related to the property.

Importantly, landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants while such cases are ongoing, providing crucial protection in a state where rent is often increased by 50–200 per cent without adequate notice.

It states, “Subject to any agreement to the contrary, an existing tenant may apply to the Court for an order declaring that the increase in rent imposed by the landlord as payable under a tenancy is unreasonable.

"In determining whether an increase in the rent is unreasonable, the Court shall issue a hearing notice to the landlord and shall consider the application on the following grounds: (a) the general level of rents in the locality or a similar locality for comparative analysis; (b) evidence of witnesses of the parties; and (c) any special circumstances relating to the premises in question or any other relevant matter. If satisfied that the increase in the rent is unreasonable, the court, after due consideration, may order that the increase in the rent be changed to a specific amount. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, it shall be unlawful for a landlord to eject a tenant from any premises pending the determination of the action filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.”

The Bill further streamlines dispute resolution, ensures transparency in charges, and reinforces tenants’ rights.

Sections 20–24 introduce faster legal processes for filing and resolving tenancy matters. Cases can now be filed via originating summons, hearings must be scheduled within 14 days, and courts may sit on weekends, public holidays, or virtually. Mediation is capped at 30 days. The bill also enhances transparency in the management of refundable charges. Under Section 12, landlords must provide tenants with an account of how service charges and security deposits are used every six months, and deposits must be refunded except in documented cases of damage. In addition, Section 7 affirms tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment of the property, use of common areas, and compensation for approved improvements.


Josephine Ogundeji
Josephine, a correspondent with The PUNCH has over two years experience covering the building industry and the personal finance ecosystem

Source:
https://punchng.com/lagos-tenancy-bill-mandates-court-orders-for-tenant-evictions/

Great development. This will save a lot of tenants from some unnecessary embarrassment from the house owners. Eko o ni baje o.

Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025

1. Landlords Can No Longer Evict Tenants by Force

What changed:
Landlords must now get a court order before evicting a tenant.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Lock you out

Break your door

Remove the roof

Send thugs

Force you out suddenly


If they do, it is now a crime.


---

2. Harassment of Tenants Is Now a Criminal Offence

What changed:
Harassing a tenant is now punishable by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord must not disturb your peace by:

Cutting water

Cutting electricity

Threatening you

Removing parts of the house

Constantly disturbing or insulting you


Punishment:

At least ₦1,000,000 fine, OR

Up to 6 months in jail, OR

Both



---

3. Illegal Evictions Are Fully Criminalised

What changed:
Evicting a tenant without court approval is illegal.

Simple meaning:
Even if rent is owed, the landlord must go to court first.
They cannot “help themselves.”


---

4. Tenants Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

What changed:
Tenants can go to court if rent increase is too high.

Simple meaning:
If a landlord increases rent by 50%–200% suddenly, you can say:

> “This is not fair.”


The court will check:

Rent in nearby houses

What both sides say

Condition of the building


The court can reduce the rent increase.


---

5. Landlords Cannot Evict Tenants While Rent Case Is Ongoing

What changed (VERY IMPORTANT):
Once a tenant files a rent complaint in court, eviction must stop.

Simple meaning:
If you are already in court saying:

> “This rent increase is unfair”



The landlord must wait until the court finishes the case.
They cannot evict you meanwhile.

This protects tenants from pressure and bullying.


---

6. Faster Court Process for Tenancy Issues

What changed:
Tenancy cases must move quickly.

Simple meaning:

Court hearings must start within 14 days

Courts can sit:

On weekends

On public holidays

Online (virtual court)


Mediation cannot last more than 30 days


This stops landlords or tenants from delaying cases forever.


---

7. Service Charges and Security Deposits Must Be Transparent

What changed:
Landlords must explain how money is used.

Simple meaning:

Every 6 months, landlord must show:

How service charge money was spent


Security deposit must be returned when tenant leaves

Money can only be deducted for real damage, with proof


No more “we won’t refund your deposit” without reason.


---

8. Tenants’ Right to Privacy Is Protected

What changed:
Tenants’ privacy is now clearly protected by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Enter your house anytime they like

Spy on you

Disturb your family

Block you from using common areas


You have the right to:

Peace

Privacy

Normal use of the house



---

9. Tenants Can Be Paid Back for Approved Improvements

What changed:
Tenants can get compensation for approved upgrades.

Simple meaning:
If you improved the house with permission (e.g., tiles, painting, fittings),
you can be compensated.


---

10. Overall Balance Between Landlords and Tenants

What changed:
The law now balances power.

Simple meaning:

Landlords still get rent

Tenants get dignity, protection, and fairness

Disputes go to court, not violence



---

In One Sentence

This new bill stops landlord bullying, protects tenants from sudden eviction and unfair rent hikes, makes disputes faster to resolve, and turns harassment into a serious crime.

I can see most landlords frowning at this law as it has empowered tenants and checkmated the excesses of landlords.

With the provision of accelerated hearing of cases in court, this is a nice development.

Baba Bashiru for my area no deh even give tenant quit notice...Na ordinary powder e go dust for their entrance Ajeh dem no go use 2 weeks before dem pack...that court sontin Na longtin for am

One thing is for government to make laws and policies; another thing is the implementation of the policies. There are several impressive laws in Lagos which are not properly implemented. Government really needs to work on this.

heavenhills:
One thing is for government to make laws and policies; another thing is the implementation of the policies. There are several impressive laws in Lagos which are not properly implemented. Government really needs to work on this.

See rent defaulters hailing the law. Most times it is Bad tenants who owe rent and refuse to pay that causes these landlords to undertake these underhand measures

joinnow:
Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025

1. Landlords Can No Longer Evict Tenants by Force

What changed:
Landlords must now get a court order before evicting a tenant.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Lock you out

Break your door

Remove the roof

Send thugs

Force you out suddenly


If they do, it is now a crime.


---

2. Harassment of Tenants Is Now a Criminal Offence

What changed:
Harassing a tenant is now punishable by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord must not disturb your peace by:

Cutting water

Cutting electricity

Threatening you

Removing parts of the house

Constantly disturbing or insulting you


Punishment:

At least ₦1,000,000 fine, OR

Up to 6 months in jail, OR

Both



---

3. Illegal Evictions Are Fully Criminalised

What changed:
Evicting a tenant without court approval is illegal.

Simple meaning:
Even if rent is owed, the landlord must go to court first.
They cannot “help themselves.”


---

4. Tenants Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

What changed:
Tenants can go to court if rent increase is too high.

Simple meaning:
If a landlord increases rent by 50%–200% suddenly, you can say:

> “This is not fair.”


The court will check:

Rent in nearby houses

What both sides say

Condition of the building


The court can reduce the rent increase.


---

5. Landlords Cannot Evict Tenants While Rent Case Is Ongoing

What changed (VERY IMPORTANT):
Once a tenant files a rent complaint in court, eviction must stop.

Simple meaning:
If you are already in court saying:

> “This rent increase is unfair”



The landlord must wait until the court finishes the case.
They cannot evict you meanwhile.

This protects tenants from pressure and bullying.


---

6. Faster Court Process for Tenancy Issues

What changed:
Tenancy cases must move quickly.

Simple meaning:

Court hearings must start within 14 days

Courts can sit:

On weekends

On public holidays

Online (virtual court)


Mediation cannot last more than 30 days


This stops landlords or tenants from delaying cases forever.


---

7. Service Charges and Security Deposits Must Be Transparent

What changed:
Landlords must explain how money is used.

Simple meaning:

Every 6 months, landlord must show:

How service charge money was spent


Security deposit must be returned when tenant leaves

Money can only be deducted for real damage, with proof


No more “we won’t refund your deposit” without reason.


---

8. Tenants’ Right to Privacy Is Protected

What changed:
Tenants’ privacy is now clearly protected by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Enter your house anytime they like

Spy on you

Disturb your family

Block you from using common areas


You have the right to:

Peace

Privacy

Normal use of the house



---

9. Tenants Can Be Paid Back for Approved Improvements

What changed:
Tenants can get compensation for approved upgrades.

Simple meaning:
If you improved the house with permission (e.g., tiles, painting, fittings),
you can be compensated.


---

10. Overall Balance Between Landlords and Tenants

What changed:
The law now balances power.

Simple meaning:

Landlords still get rent

Tenants get dignity, protection, and fairness

Disputes go to court, not violence



---

In One Sentence

This new bill stops landlord bullying, protects tenants from sudden eviction and unfair rent hikes, makes disputes faster to resolve, and turns harassment into a serious crime.

Excellent work! Thank you for taking the time to break this down.

Court can't control Dangote cement price but they want to control the price of rent.

Babablu bulabu.

Funny joke ,you go don sign for my agreement contract that I have the right as a landlord to evict you if you default payment past 3 months .

joinnow:
Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025

1. Landlords Can No Longer Evict Tenants by Force

What changed:
Landlords must now get a court order before evicting a tenant.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Lock you out

Break your door

Remove the roof

Send thugs

Force you out suddenly


If they do, it is now a crime.


---

2. Harassment of Tenants Is Now a Criminal Offence

What changed:
Harassing a tenant is now punishable by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord must not disturb your peace by:

Cutting water

Cutting electricity

Threatening you

Removing parts of the house

Constantly disturbing or insulting you


Punishment:

At least ₦1,000,000 fine, OR

Up to 6 months in jail, OR

Both



---

3. Illegal Evictions Are Fully Criminalised

What changed:
Evicting a tenant without court approval is illegal.

Simple meaning:
Even if rent is owed, the landlord must go to court first.
They cannot “help themselves.”


---

4. Tenants Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

What changed:
Tenants can go to court if rent increase is too high.

Simple meaning:
If a landlord increases rent by 50%–200% suddenly, you can say:

> “This is not fair.”


The court will check:

Rent in nearby houses

What both sides say

Condition of the building


The court can reduce the rent increase.


---

5. Landlords Cannot Evict Tenants While Rent Case Is Ongoing

What changed (VERY IMPORTANT):
Once a tenant files a rent complaint in court, eviction must stop.

Simple meaning:
If you are already in court saying:

> “This rent increase is unfair”



The landlord must wait until the court finishes the case.
They cannot evict you meanwhile.

This protects tenants from pressure and bullying.


---

6. Faster Court Process for Tenancy Issues

What changed:
Tenancy cases must move quickly.

Simple meaning:

Court hearings must start within 14 days

Courts can sit:

On weekends

On public holidays

Online (virtual court)


Mediation cannot last more than 30 days


This stops landlords or tenants from delaying cases forever.


---

7. Service Charges and Security Deposits Must Be Transparent

What changed:
Landlords must explain how money is used.

Simple meaning:

Every 6 months, landlord must show:

How service charge money was spent


Security deposit must be returned when tenant leaves

Money can only be deducted for real damage, with proof


No more “we won’t refund your deposit” without reason.


---

8. Tenants’ Right to Privacy Is Protected

What changed:
Tenants’ privacy is now clearly protected by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Enter your house anytime they like

Spy on you

Disturb your family

Block you from using common areas


You have the right to:

Peace

Privacy

Normal use of the house



---

9. Tenants Can Be Paid Back for Approved Improvements

What changed:
Tenants can get compensation for approved upgrades.

Simple meaning:
If you improved the house with permission (e.g., tiles, painting, fittings),
you can be compensated.


---

10. Overall Balance Between Landlords and Tenants

What changed:
The law now balances power.

Simple meaning:

Landlords still get rent

Tenants get dignity, protection, and fairness

Disputes go to court, not violence



---

In One Sentence

This new bill stops landlord bullying, protects tenants from sudden eviction and unfair rent hikes, makes disputes faster to resolve, and turns harassment into a serious crime.

+
I saw something about monthly rent being enforced sometime earlier this year. Is it in the draft.

In

jmoore:
Court can't control Dangote cement price but they want to control the price of rent.

Babablu bulabu.

Jmoore cement is not a bad idea
To sold at 3k

My tenants always owe at least one year rent, and only pay after much harassment. With this law they'd stop paying entirely!

OverCalculating:
Source:
https://punchng.com/lagos-tenancy-bill-mandates-court-orders-for-tenant-evictions/

If the tenant does not pay his bills, water or light will be cut off

FreeIgboho:
My tenants always owe at least one year rent, and only pay after much harassment. With this law they'd stop paying entirely!

Get a good lawyer to package a good tenancy agreement. He should input all required clauses.

Anyways, it's just a Bill, Not a Law yet.
What is the protection granted a landlord, all I can see is protection for the tenant.
Also, what happens if the tenant is owing for utilities, who pay for it so it's not disconnected?
An owing tenant will definitely be owing for utilities too

If Lagos State is to be taken serious in this regard, LSDPC (Lagos State Development and Property Corporation) should be revitalised and be playing more active role in providing affordable rental properties for Lagos residents as it used to be in the 70s and early 80s.

Willie2015:
Get a good lawyer to package a good tenancy agreement. He should input all required clauses.

The new law anticipates that. You can't give them notice in advance or with rent payment. I'm already counting my losses

OlujobaSamuel:
Anyways, it's just a Bill, Not a Law yet.
What is the protection granted a landlord, all I can see is protection for the tenant.
Also, what happens if the tenant is owing for utilities, who pay for it so it's not disconnected?
An owing tenant will definitely be owing for utilities too

It's as if I committed a crime by owning property!

In as much this law looks good on paper it will dissuade investors in real estate.

There's a massive housing deficit in Lagos already, with this law, private investors will rather put their money in other ventures.

Building houses for rent is not profitable in the first place, I know quite a lot of people who have channelled their funds to building hotels , event centres and plazas than building houses to rent out.

Government should do more by building big housing estates then, when there is a glut they can come up with this law.

My take.

I hope Seyi makinde will emulate this at Ibadan

joinnow:
Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025

1. Landlords Can No Longer Evict Tenants by Force

What changed:
Landlords must now get a court order before evicting a tenant.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Lock you out

Break your door

Remove the roof

Send thugs

Force you out suddenly


If they do, it is now a crime.


---

2. Harassment of Tenants Is Now a Criminal Offence

What changed:
Harassing a tenant is now punishable by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord must not disturb your peace by:

Cutting water

Cutting electricity

Threatening you

Removing parts of the house

Constantly disturbing or insulting you


Punishment:

At least ₦1,000,000 fine, OR

Up to 6 months in jail, OR

Both



---

3. Illegal Evictions Are Fully Criminalised

What changed:
Evicting a tenant without court approval is illegal.

Simple meaning:
Even if rent is owed, the landlord must go to court first.
They cannot “help themselves.”


---

4. Tenants Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

What changed:
Tenants can go to court if rent increase is too high.

Simple meaning:
If a landlord increases rent by 50%–200% suddenly, you can say:

> “This is not fair.”


The court will check:

Rent in nearby houses

What both sides say

Condition of the building


The court can reduce the rent increase.


---

5. Landlords Cannot Evict Tenants While Rent Case Is Ongoing

What changed (VERY IMPORTANT):
Once a tenant files a rent complaint in court, eviction must stop.

Simple meaning:
If you are already in court saying:

> “This rent increase is unfair”



The landlord must wait until the court finishes the case.
They cannot evict you meanwhile.

This protects tenants from pressure and bullying.


---

6. Faster Court Process for Tenancy Issues

What changed:
Tenancy cases must move quickly.

Simple meaning:

Court hearings must start within 14 days

Courts can sit:

On weekends

On public holidays

Online (virtual court)


Mediation cannot last more than 30 days


This stops landlords or tenants from delaying cases forever.


---

7. Service Charges and Security Deposits Must Be Transparent

What changed:
Landlords must explain how money is used.

Simple meaning:

Every 6 months, landlord must show:

How service charge money was spent


Security deposit must be returned when tenant leaves

Money can only be deducted for real damage, with proof


No more “we won’t refund your deposit” without reason.


---

8. Tenants’ Right to Privacy Is Protected

What changed:
Tenants’ privacy is now clearly protected by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Enter your house anytime they like

Spy on you

Disturb your family

Block you from using common areas


You have the right to:

Peace

Privacy

Normal use of the house



---

9. Tenants Can Be Paid Back for Approved Improvements

What changed:
Tenants can get compensation for approved upgrades.

Simple meaning:
If you improved the house with permission (e.g., tiles, painting, fittings),
you can be compensated.


---

10. Overall Balance Between Landlords and Tenants

What changed:
The law now balances power.

Simple meaning:

Landlords still get rent

Tenants get dignity, protection, and fairness

Disputes go to court, not violence



---

In One Sentence

This new bill stops landlord bullying, protects tenants from sudden eviction and unfair rent hikes, makes disputes faster to resolve, and turns harassment into a serious crime.

Thank you for this black and white explanation.

OverCalculating:
Source:
https://punchng.com/lagos-tenancy-bill-mandates-court-orders-for-tenant-evictions/

Misleading and interpreting rubbish.

A landlord can give the tenant a notice to quit, if the tenant refuses that where the court comes in...

Infact I will be happy to go to court, because I will demand the tenant pays utilities he or she is owning and the rent sustained within they period of notice. Tenants think the law go favour them...

matify83:
I can see most landlords frowning at this law as it has empowered tenants and checkmated the excesses of landlords.

With the provision of accelerated hearing of cases in court, this is a nice development.

If you ever become a landlord. Come back to this thread. Tell me how you feel. 😁

matify83:
I can see most landlords frowning at this law as it has empowered tenants and checkmated the excesses of landlords.

With the provision of accelerated hearing of cases in court, this is a nice development.

If both parties play their part well, I doubt if there would be issues. I was a tenant for several years across different states in Nigeria. I never owed rent for one day, even during the COVID 19 induced lockdown, I sold some of my shares at a loss in order not to miss the rent payment date. But, today, I have a tenant whom I gave 1 month free rent before his rent started counting, his rent expired since the end of September, 2025 - he has been giving one excuse or the other.

To the new law, it’s okay, but not many people will invest in building for rent again. I mean, the same property that has not given me a dime since September ending could have paid me more than X3 from FGN Bond without having to write to anybody.

HydraFeeds:
Funny joke ,you go don sign for my agreement contract that I have the right as a landlord to evict you if you default payment past 3 months .

One lawyer once told me that the law of the land or constitution supercede any personal agreement. Since that day I dey vex and have kept looking for ways to bend the law.
Abeg lawyers in the house please help chook mouth, Can our landlord tenant agreement stand in face or contrary of the state law?

Tenants can't also boast that he or she will spend years in an apartment without paying cuz Judgment is within 30 days now.... Tenants can't delay court processing again.

joinnow:
Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025

1. Landlords Can No Longer Evict Tenants by Force

What changed:
Landlords must now get a court order before evicting a tenant.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Lock you out

Break your door

Remove the roof

Send thugs

Force you out suddenly


If they do, it is now a crime.


---

2. Harassment of Tenants Is Now a Criminal Offence

What changed:
Harassing a tenant is now punishable by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord must not disturb your peace by:

Cutting water

Cutting electricity

Threatening you

Removing parts of the house

Constantly disturbing or insulting you


Punishment:

At least ₦1,000,000 fine, OR

Up to 6 months in jail, OR

Both



---

3. Illegal Evictions Are Fully Criminalised

What changed:
Evicting a tenant without court approval is illegal.

Simple meaning:
Even if rent is owed, the landlord must go to court first.
They cannot “help themselves.”


---

4. Tenants Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

What changed:
Tenants can go to court if rent increase is too high.

Simple meaning:
If a landlord increases rent by 50%–200% suddenly, you can say:

> “This is not fair.”


The court will check:

Rent in nearby houses

What both sides say

Condition of the building


The court can reduce the rent increase.


---

5. Landlords Cannot Evict Tenants While Rent Case Is Ongoing

What changed (VERY IMPORTANT):
Once a tenant files a rent complaint in court, eviction must stop.

Simple meaning:
If you are already in court saying:

> “This rent increase is unfair”



The landlord must wait until the court finishes the case.
They cannot evict you meanwhile.

This protects tenants from pressure and bullying.


---

6. Faster Court Process for Tenancy Issues

What changed:
Tenancy cases must move quickly.

Simple meaning:

Court hearings must start within 14 days

Courts can sit:

On weekends

On public holidays

Online (virtual court)


Mediation cannot last more than 30 days


This stops landlords or tenants from delaying cases forever.


---

7. Service Charges and Security Deposits Must Be Transparent

What changed:
Landlords must explain how money is used.

Simple meaning:

Every 6 months, landlord must show:

How service charge money was spent


Security deposit must be returned when tenant leaves

Money can only be deducted for real damage, with proof


No more “we won’t refund your deposit” without reason.


---

8. Tenants’ Right to Privacy Is Protected

What changed:
Tenants’ privacy is now clearly protected by law.

Simple meaning:
A landlord cannot:

Enter your house anytime they like

Spy on you

Disturb your family

Block you from using common areas


You have the right to:

Peace

Privacy

Normal use of the house



---

9. Tenants Can Be Paid Back for Approved Improvements

What changed:
Tenants can get compensation for approved upgrades.

Simple meaning:
If you improved the house with permission (e.g., tiles, painting, fittings),
you can be compensated.


---

10. Overall Balance Between Landlords and Tenants

What changed:
The law now balances power.

Simple meaning:

Landlords still get rent

Tenants get dignity, protection, and fairness

Disputes go to court, not violence



---

In One Sentence

This new bill stops landlord bullying, protects tenants from sudden eviction and unfair rent hikes, makes disputes faster to resolve, and turns harassment into a serious crime.

No 6 is the best for a a honest Landlord and the other one, I won't allow you to improve or change my physical building structure and if you go ahead to change it, I will take you to court.

adisabarber:
If the tenant does not pay his bills, water or light will be cut off

yes na, if there's no payment to recharge the meter for light and to pump water, does the court expect me to use my money to sustain the tenant, if I wann enter BRT bus and there's no money in my card, will they allow me

The national assembly needs to domesticate this bill and pass it as law for Abuja residents.

Joezik:
Misleading and interpreting rubbish.

A landlord can give the tenant a notice to quit, if the tenant refuses that where the court comes in...

Infact I will be happy to go to court, because I will demand the tenant pays utilities he or she is owning and the rent sustained within they period of notice. Tenants think the law go favour them...

The law will always favor a honest Landlord.

FreeIgboho:
It's as if I committed a crime by owning property!

I'm also a tenant, but I don't subscribe to some things done by tenants.
My home is rented, and my shop too, but I don't have issues with any landlord, and I've been with more than 5landlords without having issues with any of them.