Govt set to clip estate agents’ wings

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at regulating the activities of estate agents and curbing exploitative practices in the real estate sector.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa.

Akinderu-Fatai said the proposed legislation, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeks to address growing concerns over arbitrary rent increases, excessive agency charges and fraudulent practices by unregistered estate agents operating across the state.

According to the commissioner, the tenancy bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce sweeping reforms to sanitise the housing and real estate sector in Lagos.

He explained that one of the key provisions of the proposed law would make it compulsory for all estate agents operating in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.

Akinderu-Fatai noted that operating without registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is signed into law.

He said the move was designed to tackle the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive charges, multiple sales of properties and other fraudulent transactions.

The commissioner further disclosed that the proposed legislation would introduce weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related matters in a bid to fast-track dispute resolution.

He added that the law, when passed, would apply uniformly across all parts of Lagos State.

According to him, tenants seeking legal action against landlords would also be required to provide proof of rent payments and updated utility bills before initiating court proceedings.

Akinderu-Fatai said the state government remained committed to restoring sanity, transparency and accountability in the real estate sector while protecting residents from exploitation.

He revealed that LASRERA had intensified enforcement against fraudulent operators, recovering more than N270 million from fraudulent estate agents between 2025 and 2026.

The commissioner also reiterated the government’s position that estate agency fees in Lagos should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable by tenants.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to making housing transactions more transparent, affordable and investo

r-friendly across the state.