A proposed bill before the Lagos State House of Assembly is set to significantly reshape landlord-tenant relations in Nigeria’s commercial capital, as it seeks to ban landlords from evicting tenants without obtaining prior court approval.
The proposed legislation, which has sparked widespread public debate, aims to curb arbitrary evictions, protect tenants’ rights, and ensure due process in tenancy disputes across Lagos State, where housing pressure remains intense due to rapid urbanisation and population growth.
What the Proposed Law Says
According to details of the bill currently under legislative consideration, no landlord or property agent will be permitted to evict a tenant, forcibly take possession of a property, or disconnect essential services without a valid court order. Any eviction carried out outside the legal process would be deemed unlawful.
The bill also reportedly seeks to criminalise self-help measures such as locking tenants out, seizing personal belongings, or intimidating occupants to vacate a property without judicial backing.
If passed into law, landlords found guilty of violating these provisions could face fines, penalties, or other sanctions as determined by the courts.
Rationale Behind the Bill
Lawmakers backing the proposal say it is a response to increasing complaints from residents over illegal evictions, harassment, and abuse by some landlords and property managers, particularly in low- and middle-income areas.
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, faces an acute housing deficit, which has given landlords significant leverage over tenants. This imbalance, legislators argue, has led to frequent rights violations, including evictions without notice or due process.
“The intention is not to punish landlords,” a lawmaker familiar with the bill explained, “but to ensure fairness, order, and respect for the rule of law in tenancy matters.”
Existing Legal Framework
Lagos State already operates under a tenancy law that regulates notice periods, rent increases, and eviction procedures. However, enforcement has remained a major challenge, with many landlords bypassing legal channels due to delays, costs, or lack of awareness.
The proposed law seeks to strengthen enforcement mechanisms by explicitly tying eviction to court approval, thereby eliminating ambiguity and discouraging extrajudicial actions.
Legal experts say the bill, if properly implemented, would reinforce constitutional protections against unlawful entry and deprivation of property.
Reactions from Tenants
Tenant advocacy groups and civil society organisations have largely welcomed the proposal, describing it as long overdue.
Many residents recount experiences of being evicted with little or no notice, sometimes while rent disputes were still unresolved.
“This will give tenants breathing space,” said a tenant rights advocate in Lagos. “People should not be thrown out of their homes overnight without a chance to be heard in court.”
Tenants, however, also expressed concerns about potential rent hikes, fearing that landlords may increase rents preemptively to offset perceived legal risks.
Landlords Push Back
Landlords’ associations and real estate stakeholders have raised concerns about the bill, warning that it could discourage property investment and worsen Lagos’ housing shortage.
Some landlords argue that prolonged court processes could make it difficult to recover properties from defaulting tenants, particularly those who fail to pay rent for extended periods.
“Access to justice must be balanced,” said a property owner in Ikeja. “If eviction becomes too complicated, landlords may resort to higher rents or stricter entry conditions.”
Legal and Economic Implications
Legal practitioners say the success of the proposed law will depend heavily on judicial efficiency. Without faster dispute resolution, eviction cases could linger in courts, creating backlogs and tensions between landlords and tenants.
Economists also note that housing policy reforms must go hand-in-hand with efforts to expand affordable housing supply, improve mortgage access, and support urban planning.
What Happens Next
The bill is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny, including public hearings where stakeholders—tenants, landlords, legal experts, and housing advocates—will have the opportunity to make submissions.
If passed, Lagos State would join a growing number of global cities strengthening tenant protections amid rising housing costs and urban inequality.
Conclusion
The proposed Lagos law banning landlords from evicting tenants without court approval marks a potentially transformative moment in the state’s housing landscape. While aimed at protecting tenants from unlawful evictions, the bill has also reignited debate about property rights, investment incentives, and access to justice.
As lawmakers deliberate, residents across Lagos are watching closely, aware that the final outcome could redefine how millions of people live, rent, and resolve housing disputes in Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.
