The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the 2004 Landlord and Tenant Law. The bill, sponsored by Okey Mbah, aims to address the frustration and exploitation faced by prospective tenants in their search for decent housing.
Mbah said the bill would tackle excessive fees such as legal charges, agency fees, and caretaker’s wine, which have made renting difficult for low-income earners. He stressed that the amendment does not seek to increase rent but to curb exploitative practices by some agents.
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Lawmakers Anthony Nwankwo and Hyginus Okoh also supported the bill, with Nwankwo describing rental costs in Enugu as comparable to Lagos and Abuja. He called for an investigation into landlords who increase rent annually, adding that such actions place a heavy burden on residents.
The Speaker, Uche Ugwu, referred the bill to the House Committees on Housing and Judiciary, directing them to submit their report by March 25.
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