Lagos Assembly Advances Bills On Tenancy And Marriage Regulation

The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved to address persistent issues in landlord-tenant relations with a new bill aimed at regulating tenancy agreements and procedures for property recovery. The bill passed second reading during plenary on Thursday.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a clearer legal framework for tenancy in Lagos State, defining the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and agents. It also provides structured guidelines on rent payments, eviction procedures, and dispute resolution.

Presenting the bill, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I) said the measure would bring clarity to housing issues and reduce conflict between landlords and tenants. He explained that the bill introduces defined rent payment structures and clarifies the roles of all parties involved in tenancy agreements.

Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) described the bill as timely and people-focused. He called for the inclusion of an enforcement mechanism to prevent landlords from collecting arbitrary rents and ensure compliance with the law. According to him, the bill will ease the financial burden on tenants and improve transparency in housing arrangements.

Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) also supported the bill, saying it modernizes the housing sector and protects the interests of both landlords and tenants. He noted that the bill addresses long-standing issues such as tenement rates, land use charges, and the jurisdiction of courts in tenancy disputes.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate praised the bill for its inclusive and comprehensive approach to regulating tenancy, from agent engagement and rent payment terms to legal dispute resolution.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers the realities faced by both landlords and tenants. He highlighted the economic pressure on landlords due to rising construction costs and the need for tenants to align rent payments with their income cycles, such as annual bonuses or leave allowances.

Obasa also called on the government to deliver on its housing promises to ease pressure in the rental market. The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Housing for further legislative scrutiny. The committee is expected to report back in three weeks.

In a separate development, the House also debated a bill to regulate marriage registration and dissolution in Lagos State. The bill seeks to improve record-keeping and streamline the legal processes associated with marriage and divorce, particularly under customary law.

Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi-Isolo II) said the bill would help simplify legal proceedings and assist foreign missions in verifying marital status during visa applications. Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe I) described the bill as progressive and recommended including penalties for interference in marriage proceedings.

Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) stressed the need for a central marriage database, while Hon. Omolara Olumegbon (Lagos Island I) advocated for provisions that protect children, particularly in cases of divorce, including mandatory child support.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for further consideration.