IKEJA, LAGOS –– The Lagos State Government has emphatically restated that tenancy agreement fees must not exceed 10% of the annual rent, issuing a stern warning to landlords and agents against imposing illegal charges.

This directive was reiterated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

 

Barr. Odunuga-Bakare emphasized the clear provisions of the Lagos State Tenancy Law, stating unequivocally, “Any landlord or agent found demanding or collecting more than 10 per cent of the annual rent as agreement or legal fees is in direct violation of the state’s tenancy regulations.”

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Expressing significant concern over exploitative practices, the Special Adviser urged residents to report offenders. “We have been overwhelmed by reports of the activities of these unscrupulous elements making life hard for Lagosians with agreements and commissions that is like asking for an arm and a leg,” she 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.”

 

Acknowledging the pressure on the state’s housing sector due to population growth and rural-urban migration, Barr. Odunuga-Bakare noted that this situation has unfortunately created opportunities for exploitation. However, she affirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to regulating and sanitizing the housing sector to protect citizens’ interests.

 

Furthermore, Barr. Odunuga-Bakare highlighted discussions with recognized real estate agent associations.

“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 disclosed, indicating that unregistered individuals often perpetrate these illegal activities.

 

The Lagos State Government strongly encourages all residents who encounter demands for tenancy agreement fees exceeding the legally mandated 10% to report such incidents.

Reports can be made through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulating Authority (LASRERA) on Facebook, Instagram (@lasrera1), and X (formerly Twitter) (@lasrera).

 

This call to action aims to empower citizens and ensure the effective enforcement of the Tenancy Law, fostering a fairer and more transparent housing market across Lagos State.