In the interest of residents of Lagos State who have to rent accommodation from property owners or through agents, the Lagos State Government has condemned in strong terms landlords and agents who unjustifiably increase house rents due to infrastructural developments or other unknown reasons.
Speaking during a live interview, “YOUR VIEW’’ aired on TVC in Lagos today, the Special Adviser (Housing), Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, Barr. Barakat Odunuga Bakare said that the Lagos State Government would no longer fold its arms and watch its residents being exploited by landlords and agents.
She equally clarified the distinct role of house agents and lawyers in rental matters, stressing the limitations of legal practitioners in real estate and house rental matters.
Barr. Barakat Odunuga Bakare stated that the Lagos State tenancy law is under review to include provisions like caution fees that are currently missing. She encouraged residents to report landlords or agents who violate regulations to the Lagos State Regulatory Authority, either physically or online.
The Special Adviser further reiterated Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to tackling the housing challenges faced by residents of Lagos State. She stated that the “Government is constantly engaging landlords, property associations, and developers to promote collaboration and also to control excessive housing costs”.
Furthermore, she emphasised that the Lagos State Government is fair and just in the distribution of state-owned housing, making use of fair, transparent, and well–laid–out criteria.
She, therefore, advised Lagosians to verify agents and developers’ registration with LASRERA before any transaction is concluded and called on all real estate practitioners to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency.