Tenants Celebrate as Lagos Moves to Stop Illegal Evictions
The Lagos State Government has proposed a new law, the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), to protect tenants from harassment and illegal evictions. Landlords will no longer be allowed to evict tenants without a court order or use force, cut utilities, or damage property.
The bill ensures tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of their homes, including electricity, water, and building structures. Anyone who tries to evict a tenant illegally can face a fine of N1,000,000, six months in prison, or both.
Courts will also review whether rent increases are fair, and landlords cannot evict tenants while disputes are ongoing. Disputes will be resolved quickly, with hearings scheduled within 14 days and mediation limited to 30 days.
Landlords must provide service charge and security deposit accounts every six months, and tenants have rights to privacy, access to common areas, and compensation for approved improvements.
The law aims to stop reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into homes, or using thugs, reinforcing Lagos State’s commitment to tenant protection.