Lagos landlords and tenants continue to bypass the state’s tenancy law mandating monthly or quarterly rent payments, sticking instead to annual rent deals.
Despite provisions in the Lagos State Tenancy Law mandating monthly or quarterly rent payments, landlords, agents, and tenants continue to operate under annual and 18-month rent agreements, LEADERSHIP reports.
The law, which seeks to ease rent burdens and increase housing affordability, is often ignored. Many landlords cite investment recovery and steady cash flow as reasons for preferring upfront payments. Tenants, too, sometimes prefer annual payments for budgeting stability.
Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai confirmed the government’s commitment to promoting flexible rent structures. He said, “Monthly or quarterly payment options will give people more breathing space and reduce the stress associated with sourcing lump sums.”
The Advance Rent Section of the Tenancy Law criminalizes collecting more than three months’ rent in advance from sitting tenants, yet enforcement remains weak.
Stakeholders are divided: some back monthly rent as financially inclusive, others warn it could reduce housing supply. Discussions with landlords and real estate professionals are ongoing to ensure broader policy adoption and compliance.
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