The Lagos State Government has declared its intention to crack down on landlords and property agents accused of imposing arbitrary and exploitative rent hikes on residents, in a bold move to address the city’s growing housing crisis.
Speaking during a live interview on TVC’s “YOUR VIEW” on Saturday, Barakat Bakare, the Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), voiced the government’s firm stance against what she described as widespread exploitation in the real estate sector. “The Lagos State Government would no longer fold its arms and watch its residents being exploited by landlords and agents,” she said.
Bakare disclosed that the state’s tenancy law is undergoing a review to incorporate key provisions missing in the current legislation, including regulations on caution fees. The review is part of broader reforms aimed at shielding tenants from unjust rental practices and strengthening legal protections.
She urged affected residents to report violations by landlords or agents to LASRERA through physical visits or the agency’s online channels, adding that the government is actively engaging landlords, developers, and property associations to curb excessive housing costs.
Reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to housing reform, Bakare highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and fairness in the allocation of state-owned housing. “The distribution process adheres to fair, transparent, and well–laid–out criteria,” she noted.
In a bid to enhance regulatory oversight, Bakare clarified the distinct roles of house agents and legal practitioners in rental transactions and advised residents to verify the registration status of real estate professionals with LASRERA before entering into agreements.
She concluded by calling on all real estate practitioners in the state to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority to ensure compliance and accountability in the sector.
