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The Lagos State Government has urged residents to report any landlords or agents who demand more than one year’s rent, as part of its broader efforts to curb real estate excesses and improve housing access in the state.
Barakat Bakare, Special Adviser on Housing to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), made this appeal during an appearance on TVC’s Your View on Thursday. She emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to regulating the property market and making housing more affordable for Lagosians.
Bakare noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is currently reviewing the state’s tenancy law to address regulatory gaps, particularly in areas such as caution fees—a frequent source of disputes between landlords and tenants.
She encouraged residents to file complaints about non-compliant landlords either in person at LASRERA’s office or via the agency’s official website.
“The minimum you can collect is one month’s rent. You may collect rent monthly, quarterly, or annually—but not more than a year in advance,” she clarified. “If a landlord is found to be demanding more than one year’s rent, they can be reported to LASRERA at Block 21, First Floor, Alausa.”
Bakare also revealed that the government is holding ongoing consultations with landlords, developers, and property associations to encourage fair pricing and promote responsible housing practices.
She stated that the allocation of state-owned housing follows transparent and equitable criteria to ensure fairness and accountability.
In addition, Bakare advised prospective tenants to verify the registration status of any real estate agent or developer with LASRERA before entering into any transactions.
“Times are tough. We’re not here to make life harder for Lagosians. We’re actively engaging landlords, seeking middle ground, and doing everything possible to make housing more humane and accessible,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of clarity in property transactions, noting the distinct roles played by lawyers and agents in such dealings.
