The Lagos State Government has cautioned against the collection of tenancy agreement fees beyond the stipulated 10 per cent and has asked residents to report such abnormality to the authorities.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, warned against violation of the state’s tenancy law.
“We have been overwhelmed by reports of the activities of these unscrupulous elements making life hard for Lagosians with agreements and commissions that are like asking for an arm and a leg,” Odunuga-Bakare said.
“We are calling on members of the public not to keep silent but to report such agents and landlords to us, for the government cannot be everywhere, every time.”
Odunuga-Bakare reiterated the State government’s stance against the imposition of excessive tenancy agreement fees, reminding all stakeholders within the state that the stipulated maximum remains 10 per cent of the annual rent.
The special adviser said stakeholders and the government have met to address the housing challenge in the state, which is partly due to the growing population.
“We have met with associations of real estate agents, and they have assured us that the people who are engaging in such practices are not registered agents that identify with their associations,” she said.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the state was considering monthly and quarterly rent options for residents.
“Many Lagos State residents are battling to pay annual rents,” he said. “We believe monthly and quarterly rent payments would provide relief to them.”
