Lagos Government Warns House Agents Against Illegal Fees, Reaffirms Rent Limit.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating rent practices in the real estate sector by upholding the enforcement of monthly, quarterly, and yearly rent payments—limited to a maximum of one year in advance.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, emphasised the administration’s resolve to promote fairness and transparency in housing transactions across the state.
Speaking during a recent engagement with leaders of the Estate, Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAN), Akinderu-Fatai reiterated the need for estate professionals to address growing public concerns over rising rent costs and the imposition of arbitrary and illegal fees on tenants.
“The government is actively working with stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition towards a more tenant-friendly rent structure,” he said. “We have advised professional groups within the sector to comply with the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Law, especially regarding rent limits and fee transparency.”
The Commissioner also voiced concerns over unethical practices among some estate agents, noting that such actions have contributed to an increase in rent defaults and undermined trust in the housing system. He urged all practitioners to align their operations with the law and uphold professional standards.
In response, President of ERCAN, Godwin Aleke, expressed his association’s full support for the government’s rent payment policy. He assured that ERCAN would collaborate with other professional bodies to uphold ethical practices and help sanitise the real estate sector in Lagos.
The initiative forms part of the state’s broader efforts to make housing more accessible and affordable, especially for residents struggling with high upfront rental demands and exploitative agency practices.
