In a bid to address long-standing issues in the rental market, Hon. Okey Mbah, representing Nkanu East Constituency, sponsored a groundbreaking bill to amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024. Undergoing its first reading on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, the bill has already sparked significant interest among legislators and residents alike.

At its core, the proposed legislation seeks to bring much-needed regulation to rental practices. One of the bill’s standout features is its effort to cap both agency and legal fees at a maximum of 10 percent of the rent. This move is aimed at curbing the exploitative practices of charging exorbitant fees, including the long-criticized caution fees that tenants have historically paid without any refund at the end of their tenancy.

Specifically, Section 3 subsection 3 mandates that agent fees for procuring accommodation cannot exceed 10 percent of the rent, while Section 3 subsection 4 ensures that tenants are not burdened with additional premiums beyond the legal fee for drafting the landlord-tenant agreement—also capped at 10 percent of the rent. Violations of these provisions would attract a penalty of up to N500,000 or a prison term of six months, or both, emphasizing the bill’s commitment to stringent enforcement.

Beyond fee regulation, the bill also tackles the issue of irregular and forced evictions by establishing legally defined durations for eviction notices. Moreover, it calls for mandatory certification of land agents and property managers, ensuring that only qualified individuals operate in the market. A designated government agency will also have the authority to make further regulations on housing and tenancy matters.

Hon. Mbah emphasized that the bill reflects the "earnest desires of the people and residents of Enugu State." He expressed confidence that it would receive overwhelming support from the House of Assembly, given its comprehensive approach to remedying the systemic challenges faced by tenants. As the bill progresses through legislative processes, its potential to foster a fair, transparent, and regulated rental market marks a significant step forward in protecting the rights of tenants while promoting accountability among agents and landlords.

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