Lagos Tenancy Bill Proposes Jail Terms for Harassing Landlords

The Lagos State Government has formally submitted an Executive Bill known as the “Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025” to the Lagos State House of Assembly for consideration and possible enactment into law.

If the bill becomes law, it is expected to introduce far-reaching changes to how rental housing matters are handled across the state. This move comes at a time when rental tensions have intensified, with residents frequently reporting sudden rent hikes, unclear tenancy obligations, and recurring conflicts between landlords and occupants.

Over the past few years, Lagos has witnessed a sharp rise in rental disputes, largely driven by economic pressure, housing shortages, and inconsistent enforcement of tenancy rules. Some tenants have complained of rent increments exceeding 200 percent, often without adequate notice or legal backing. At the same time, property owners have raised concerns about harassment, intimidation, and deliberate refusal to vacate premises after tenancy expiration.

The proposed bill seeks to address these persistent challenges by redefining acceptable conduct on both sides of tenancy agreements. One of its major objectives is to curb unlawful actions linked to property recovery and tenancy enforcement. According to the provisions outlined, acts such as harassment, intimidation, or forceful interference during rental disagreements could attract strict penalties, including possible jail terms.

Reports from affected residents indicate that disputes have sometimes escalated into extreme actions. These include tenants being forcibly locked out of their homes, doors being removed without court orders, or individuals being pushed out through threats and coercion during rent disagreements. Such incidents have raised serious concerns about human rights, safety, and the abuse of power within landlord-tenant relationships.

By introducing clearer legal boundaries, the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill aims to promote fairness, protect lawful occupants, and ensure that property owners follow due process when seeking possession of their buildings. The legislation is also expected to clarify roles, responsibilities, and enforcement procedures to reduce ambiguity and prevent future conflicts.

If passed, the bill could become a major turning point in Lagos’ housing sector, reinforcing the rule of law while discouraging harassment, illegal evictions, and exploitative practices. Stakeholders across the real estate space, including tenants, landlords, legal practitioners, and housing advocates, are expected to closely monitor the deliberations at the House of Assembly as the bill progresses.