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The Lagos government has disowned a viral statement notifying residents of an amendment to the state’s tenancy law.
On Friday, reports alleging an update to the law began circulating on X.
The alleged amendment capped advance rent payments to three months for existing tenants and imposed stricter limits on how landlords can terminate tenancies and increase rents.
Fines of up to N100,000 or three months’ imprisonment were listed as penalties.
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Barakat Bakare, special adviser to the Lagos governor on housing, on Saturday refuted the reports.
In a statement, Bakare said the publication did not emanate from the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
The government official affirmed that the 2015 tenancy law still subsists.
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“However, the bill for a new Tenancy law is under due consideration at the Lagos State House of Assembly and yet to be passed into Law,” Bakare said.
She said the ministry of housing is currently engaging stakeholders in this regard.
“The culture of monthly payment and a clear understanding of the process of real estate transactions at all levels are being discussed at these engagements,” the statement added.
Bakare said the public would be notified when there is a new law.
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The viral report comes as a housing crisis, characterised by soaring rents, exploitative landlord practices, forced evictions, and a massive housing deficit, deepens in the state.
The situation is compounded by rapid urbanisation and population growth.
The Lagos assembly had asked the state government to implement measures that would curb excessive rent increments.
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