Can Rental Laws Be Enforced in Nigeria?

Renting a home in Nigeria has always been a sensitive issue for both landlords and tenants. Disputes over rent increases, evictions, tenancy agreements, and default payments are among the most common legal battles in urban centers. With Nigeria’s rapid urbanization and growing housing deficit—estimated at over 28 million units in 2025—the need for effective rental laws has become urgent.

The critical question is: Can rental laws be effectively enforced in Nigeria? The answer lies in examining existing frameworks, enforcement gaps, and the landmark 2025 Lagos State Rental Law, which aims to bring fairness, transparency, and accountability to Nigeria’s most vibrant real estate market.

Overview of Rental Laws in Nigeria

Nigeria operates a federal system, but tenancy and property issues are primarily regulated at the state level. Each state has its own tenancy law or rent control policy, with Lagos often taking the lead due to its population density and real estate activity.

Key Rental Laws Across Nigeria

• Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011: Previously regulated advance rent payments and eviction procedures.
• Lagos Rental Law 2025: Recently passed, introducing stricter rent collection guidelines and dispute resolution frameworks.
• Abuja Rent Control Act (1992, revised 2013): Outlines landlord-tenant rights in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
• Rivers State Tenancy Law: Similar provisions but weaker enforcement structures.
• Customary Tenancy Rules: In rural states, tenancy still relies heavily on community and traditional authority rules.

The Lagos State Rental Law 2025

The new Lagos Rental Law (2025) is perhaps the boldest attempt yet to regulate the chaotic rental market in Nigeria. It was introduced to address arbitrary rent hikes, illegal evictions, and exploitation of tenants in a state where more than 65% of residents are tenants.

Key Provisions of the 2025 Lagos Rental Law

1. Advance Rent Limitation: Landlords cannot demand more than six months’ rent in advance for new tenants and three months’ rent for renewals.
2. Rent Control Measures: Annual rent increases must be tied to inflation and agreed with the Lagos State Tenancy Regulatory Authority (LSTRA).
3. Eviction Procedures: Evictions must go through tenancy tribunals; no landlord can lock out or harass tenants.
4. Digital Rent Payment System: The law mandates a government-monitored digital rent payment portal, ensuring transparency and record-keeping.
5. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Establishes a Lagos Tenancy Tribunal with power to resolve rent disputes within 60 days.

Penalties for Violation

• Landlords who violate the rent advance rule face hefty fines or imprisonment.
• Tenants who default deliberately can be legally evicted faster under the new tribunal system.

Enforcement Challenges in Nigeria

Despite progressive laws, enforcement remains a major challenge.

1. Weak Institutional Capacity

Many tenancy disputes drag on in court for years, discouraging tenants from seeking justice.

2. Lack of Awareness

Most tenants (and even landlords) are unaware of their rights and obligations under tenancy laws.

3. Corruption and Informality

Some landlords sidestep formal agreements by insisting on verbal tenancy arrangements, making enforcement difficult.

4. Housing Deficit Pressure

Because demand outweighs supply, tenants often feel powerless to negotiate or report abusive practices.

5. Limited State Reach

Outside Lagos, enforcement in states like Oyo, Enugu, or Rivers is largely paper law—rules exist but are rarely enforced.

Enforcement in Practice

Lagos State

With the new 2025 law, Lagos has set up mobile tenancy tribunals to handle disputes. Reports suggest that within the first six months, over 1,200 cases were filed, with 70% resolved within three months—a significant improvement.

Abuja (FCT)

Abuja courts still face long delays, with cases lasting 2–5 years. However, estate developers in gated communities are increasingly using private arbitration clauses.

Rivers State

Port Harcourt faces similar issues as Lagos, but enforcement is weaker. Many tenants are still evicted informally, and cases rarely reach court.

Can Rental Laws Truly Be Enforced in Nigeria?

The answer is yes—but with conditions. Enforcement depends on:

• Strong institutional support: Dedicated tenancy tribunals, as seen in Lagos.
• Digitalization: Use of rent payment platforms to track compliance.
• Public awareness campaigns: Educating tenants and landlords about their rights.
• Political will: States must prioritize rental reforms as part of housing policy.

Benefits of Enforcing Rental Laws

1. Protection for Tenants: Prevents arbitrary evictions and excessive rent advances.
2. Fairness for Landlords: Ensures tenants who default can be legally and swiftly evicted.
3. Economic Growth: A transparent rental system encourages foreign investors and diaspora Nigerians to invest in housing.
4. Social Stability: Reduces tenant-landlord conflicts, which sometimes escalate into violence.
5. Tax Revenue: States can monitor rental income for taxation purposes.

Recommendations for Better Enforcement

1. Nationwide Tenancy Law Reform: A unified National Rental Framework could set minimum standards for all states.
2. Strengthening Tenancy Tribunals: More judges, faster timelines, and decentralized hearings.
3. Digital Rent Platforms Nationwide: Replicating Lagos’s rent portal across all major cities.
4. Public Awareness Programs: Radio campaigns, market sensitization, and social media outreach.
5. Integration with Housing Policies: Linking tenancy enforcement with housing finance and affordable housing schemes.

Global Perspective: Lessons Nigeria Can Learn

• South Africa: Operates a Rental Housing Tribunal system that resolves disputes in less than 60 days.
• Kenya: Has a Rent Restriction Tribunal with a nationwide presence.
• UK: Uses standardized tenancy contracts and strict penalties for illegal evictions.

Nigeria can adapt these models while considering local realities like housing shortages and informality.

So, can rental laws be enforced in Nigeria?

The answer is increasingly leaning toward yes, especially with the 2025 Lagos Rental Law setting a new precedent. While enforcement across the country remains inconsistent, Lagos’s model shows that with digital tools, dedicated tribunals, and strong penalties, Nigeria can gradually transform its chaotic rental market into a fairer, more transparent system.

For now, Lagos leads the way. Other states must follow suit if Nigeria is to achieve a balanced, enforceable, and sustainable rental framework.