The Lagos State Government has urged residents to report landlords or real estate agents who demand more than one year’s rent in advance, reaffirming its commitment to regulating the housing sector and protecting tenants’ rights.
Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), made the call during her appearance on the “Your View” programme aired on TVC on
Thursday.
Bakare emphasized that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is actively working to curb the excesses of landlords, agents, and property developers across the state. She disclosed that the Tenancy Law is currently under review to address grey areas-particularly concerning caution fees, which she described as a recurring issue between landlords and tenants.
“The minimum you can collect is one month’s rent. You can collect quarterly, every three months, or a year, but nothing more than a year,” she stated.
She advised residents who encounter violations to lodge formal complaints either in person at LASRERA’s office-Block 21, First Floor, Alausa, Ikeja-or online via the agency’s website.
According to her, such reports will be investigated and may lead to sanctions against erring property owners or intermediaries.
Bakare revealed that the state government is in active engagement with landlords’ associations, real estate developers, and other industry stakeholders to promote fair pricing, ethical conduct, and sustainable urban development.
These efforts, she noted, are part of a broader strategy to ease housing pressure and make accommodation more accessible to the average Lagosian.
“Times are hard. We are not here to make life harder for Lagosians,” she said. “We are sitting with landlords, looking for a middle ground, and doing everything we can to make housing more humane and accessible.”
She also clarified the distinction between lawyers and agents in real estate transactions, warning residents to verify the registration status of any agent or developer through LASRERA before entering into agreements to avoid being defrauded.
Bakare concluded by reiterating that allocations for government-owned housing schemes follow
strict, transparent criteria designed to ensure equity and accountability, urging the public to remain vigilant and informed.
