The Lagos State Government, through the proposed Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), has criminalised harassment and illegal evictions, making it an offence for landlords to eject tenants without a valid court order or use self-help measures such as cutting utilities or dismantling parts of a building.

Section 10 of the bill states, “Obligations of the landlord include not disturbing the tenant’s quiet and peaceable enjoyment of the premises, including not removing the roof, cutting off electricity or water supply or doing anything that will interfere with peaceful enjoyment of the demised premises.”

Section 43 of the bill notes, “Subject to the provisions of any law, any person who demolishes, alters, or modifies a building to which this law applies with a view of ejecting a tenant and without an order of the court, or any person who, with a view of disturbing the quiet enjoyment of any tenant, attempts to forcibly eject or forcibly ejects a tenant, threatens or molests a tenant by action or words with a view of ejecting such tenant, or wilfully damages any premises, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not less than one million naira (N1,000,000.00) or a maximum of six (6) months’ custodial or non-custodial sentence, or both.”

This responds to widespread reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into their apartments, or deploying thugs during disputes.

Meanwhile, section 33 allows the court to determine whether a rent increase is justified by considering rent levels in similar areas, evidence presented by both parties, and any special circumstances related to the property.

Importantly, landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants while such cases are ongoing, providing crucial protection in a state where rent is often increased by 50–200 per cent without adequate notice.

It states, “Subject to any agreement to the contrary, an existing tenant may apply to the Court for an order declaring that the increase in rent imposed by the landlord as payable under a tenancy is unreasonable.

“In determining whether an increase in the rent is unreasonable, the Court shall issue a hearing notice to the landlord and shall consider the application on the following grounds: (a) the general level of rents in the locality or a similar locality for comparative analysis; (b) evidence of witnesses of the parties; and (c) any special circumstances relating to the premises in question or any other relevant matter. If satisfied that the increase in the rent is unreasonable, the court, after due consideration, may order that the increase in the rent be changed to a specific amount. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, it shall be unlawful for a landlord to eject a tenant from any premises pending the determination of the action filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.”

The Bill further streamlines dispute resolution, ensures transparency in charges, and reinforces tenants’ rights. (The PUNCH)