The Lagos State Government has urged residents to report any landlords or agents who demand more than one year’s rent in advance, as part of its efforts to regulate the real estate sector and ease housing challenges.
Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), made the appeal on Thursday during an appearance on TVC’s Your View. She emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing exploitative practices in the property market and improving access to affordable housing.
Bakare noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration is currently reviewing tenancy laws to address loopholes, especially regarding caution fees, which often cause disputes between landlords and tenants.
“The maximum rent that can be legally collected in advance is one year,” she said. “Anything beyond that is illegal. Tenants can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually — but not for more than a year at a time.”
She encouraged residents to file complaints either at LASRERA’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, or via its official website. Violations, she said, will be investigated and appropriate action taken.
Bakare added that the government is holding dialogues with landlords, developers, and property associations to promote fair pricing and ethical practices. She stressed that allocations for government-owned housing follow strict, transparent criteria to ensure fairness.
Advising tenants to exercise caution, she urged them to verify the registration status of agents and developers with LASRERA before making any property deals.
“Times are tough,” Bakare said. “We’re not here to make life harder, but to find a balance that makes housing in Lagos more humane and accessible.”
She also clarified the roles of legal professionals and agents in real estate transactions to help avoid confusion and ensure accountability.