The Lagos State Government has strongly condemned landlords and property agents who exploit residents through arbitrary and excessive rent increases. It has pledged decisive action to safeguard tenants from such unfair practices.
Speaking on TVC’s “Your View” program on Saturday, Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), emphasized that the government “will no longer stand by while landlords and agents exploit residents.”
Bakare clarified the separate roles of real estate agents and lawyers in rental matters, noting that legal practitioners have defined limits in housing transactions. She also revealed that the state’s tenancy law is currently under review to include vital provisions—such as rules around caution fees—that are absent in the existing law.
Residents who face violations are encouraged to report cases to LASRERA, either in person or online.
Reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to resolving housing issues, Bakare said the government is actively engaging landlords, property associations, and developers to promote collaboration and curb excessive housing costs.
She further stressed the importance of fairness in the distribution of government-owned housing, assuring that the allocation process follows transparent and well-defined criteria.
In closing, Bakare advised Lagosians to verify the registration status of agents and developers with LASRERA before conducting any transactions. She also urged all real estate professionals to register with the agency to ensure accountability within the sector.