The Kogi State House of Assembly is advancing legislation aimed at regulating tenancy arrangements across the state amid concerns over rising housing costs, arbitrary rent increases, excessive agency fees and other charges imposed on tenants seeking accommodation.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The proposed Kogi State Tenancy Law 2025 seeks to establish clearer rules governing landlords, tenants and estate agents, while introducing protections and responsibilities for all parties involved in rental transactions.
A member representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency, Akus Lawal, disclosed details of the proposed legislation while presenting a public hearing report on the bill.
Lawal said one of the major concerns being addressed by the legislation was the multiple charges imposed on prospective tenants in addition to their annual rent.
According to him, some tenants currently pay between 15 and 20 per cent in agency fees, caution fees and other accommodation-related charges when securing a property.
Under the proposed framework, the different charges would be consolidated into a single fee of less than five per cent, significantly reducing the initial financial burden on tenants.
The measure is expected to address situations where prospective tenants are required to pay several separate charges before gaining possession of rented accommodation.
The bill would also require all estate agents operating within Kogi State to register with the Kogi State Ministry of Housing.
Lawal said the proposed registration system would enable the government to identify legitimate property agents, regulate their activities and improve security and accountability in the property sector.
The registration requirement is also intended to reduce the activities of unregulated operators and provide a clearer mechanism for resolving disputes involving landlords, tenants and estate agents.
Lawmakers are equally proposing restrictions on arbitrary increases in rent.
Under the bill, landlords would not be permitted to increase rent without justification, particularly where there has been no corresponding renovation, improvement or other reasonable basis for the increase.
The provision is intended to give tenants greater predictability over housing costs while preserving the rights of landlords to review rents where legitimate improvements to a property or other justifiable circumstances exist.
However, the proposed legislation is not focused solely on protecting tenants.
The Assembly is also seeking stronger safeguards for landlords against tenants who deliberately damage rented properties or refuse to vacate after the expiration of their tenancy agreements.
Under the proposed law, tenants found to have deliberately damaged a rented property could be required to restore it to an acceptable condition before leaving, subject to verification by the landlord.
The bill also proposes fines and possible imprisonment for tenants found culpable of deliberately destroying rented property.
Lawmakers said the measures are intended to create a more balanced legal relationship in which tenants are protected against excessive charges and unjustified rent increases, while landlords are equally protected against deliberate damage to their property and other abuses of tenancy arrangements.
If enacted, the law would introduce a more formal regulatory framework for Kogi State’s rental market, covering estate-agent registration, agency and caution fees, rent reviews, property damage and the respective obligations of landlords and tenants.
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
