The member representing Ankpa I State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Akus Lawal, has introduced a comprehensive bill aimed at reforming the state’s rental housing system.
The proposed legislation, titled the Kogi State Tenancy Law, 2025, was formally presented on the floor of the assembly on Wednesday.
Lawal, who also chairs the House Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, said the bill is designed to replace the outdated Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 2007.
According to him, the new law will reflect current realities, improve legal clarity, and streamline rental administration in the state.
One of the key features of the bill is the establishment of a Rent Control Board and Task Force. These bodies will be empowered to set rent ceilings, monitor compliance, and mediate disputes.
Sections 8 through 11 grant the board authority to regulate landlord-tenant relations, while Section 13 mandates that rent-related grievances must first go through the board before escalating to the courts.
The bill also emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Sections 16 and 17 clearly outline duties for each party to ensure mutual respect and balance in rental relationships. Section 15 grants the right to appeal rent rates through the board, further strengthening tenant protections.
To curb abuse in the rental sector, the bill introduces penalties for a wide range of infractions including unlawful eviction, rent racketeering, and refusal to issue receipts.
Notably, agents will be required to register with the Rent Control Board and may not charge more than five percent of the total rent as agency fees. Furthermore, landlords will be prohibited from collecting more than 12 months’ rent upfront, with strict sanctions for violators.
The bill also introduces a rent tax for landlords earning above N3 million annually and mandates the registration of rental properties and tenants’ information for security tracking.
Hon. Lawal described the bill as a bold step toward enhancing fairness and accountability in the rental market. He stated that the law would ensure peaceful cohabitation between landlords and tenants while protecting the integrity of housing transactions across Kogi State.
