Lagos Cracks Down on Exploitative Landlords and Agents, Promises Stronger Tenant Protections

The Lagos State Government has issued a firm warning to landlords and property agents who engage in exploitative rental practices, stating that it will no longer stand by while residents face unjust and excessive housing costs. This bold stance was announced by Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), during a televised interview on TVC’s “Your View”.

Bakare emphasized that the state is taking steps to protect tenants from the increasing burden of unreasonable rent hikes and exploitative demands, including unregulated caution fees and illegal charges imposed by unregistered agents.

“The Lagos State Government will no longer fold its arms and watch its residents being exploited,” Bakare declared, highlighting that action is underway to curb the excesses of both landlords and middlemen.

Tenancy Law Under Review

One of the key efforts in progress is the review of the Lagos State tenancy law, which Bakare said lacks adequate provisions to address current challenges in the rental market. Among the key areas targeted for reform are caution fees, which tenants are often required to pay without clear regulation or refund policies.

“The review aims to incorporate crucial provisions that are currently missing, especially around caution fees and fair rental practices,” she noted.

Clear Boundaries for Legal Practitioners and Agents

Bakare also clarified the boundaries between lawyers and agents in rental transactions, noting that many tenants are often confused or misled during property dealings. She stressed the importance of verifying the registration status of any real estate agent or developer with LASRERA before signing any agreements or making payments.

Call to Action for Tenants

In line with the government’s push for greater accountability, Lagos residents are being encouraged to report violations of existing rental laws directly to LASRERA, either through in-person visits or via its online platforms.

“We urge Lagosians to speak up and report any form of exploitation. We’re here to act on those complaints,” Bakare said.

Collaboration with Developers and Property Associations

The government is also engaging landlords, property associations, and developers to foster collaboration in addressing the housing affordability crisis in the state. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to equitable access to housing, including the fair allocation of state-owned residential properties.

Ensuring Transparency and Justice

Bakare reiterated that the government’s ultimate goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice in Lagos’ real estate market. Tenants, she said, must be protected from systemic exploitation, and housing must be made both affordable and accessible to the city’s growing population.

As housing demand continues to rise in Nigeria’s most populous state, the Lagos government’s proactive steps mark a significant move toward regulating the rental market and restoring balance between landlords and tenants.

Odisha RERA Collapse Leaves Homebuyers Powerless Amid Regulatory Vacuum

In a blow to consumer rights and housing sector governance, the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has effectively become defunct, leaving thousands of homebuyers in a legal limbo. The shutdown follows the retirement and resignation of all three key members, culminating in a complete halt of the authority’s operations.

The final collapse occurred on Saturday, after acting chairperson Gopal Chandra Patnaik retired on Friday. This followed earlier exits by Siddhanta Das, who resigned prematurely in February, and Pradeep Biswal, who retired in May. According to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, RERA authorities require a minimum of three members to function; none currently remain at ORERA.

Homebuyers Left Without Legal Recourse

The shutdown of ORERA has paralyzed critical functions that safeguard consumer interests. Real estate activist Bimalendu Pradhan outlined the dire implications:

• Grievance redressal is suspended: Homebuyers can no longer file complaints against errant builders or developers.
  
• Project registrations and extensions are frozen, leaving ongoing developments in regulatory limbo.
  
• Licensing of real estate agents has stalled, jeopardizing market transparency.
  
• Pending forensic audits essential for uncovering fraudulent projects are also on hold.
  
• ORERA is currently unable to represent itself in legal appeals, risking further judicial backlogs and unresolved disputes.