The member representing Ankpa I State constituency in the Kogi House of Assembly, Akus Lawal has proposed a bill seeking to overhaul the state’s rental system.
The bill, titled Kogi state tenancy law, 2025, was presented on the floor of the assembly on Wednesday.
Lawal, who chairs the house committee on finance and economic planning, said the bill is intended to replace the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law enacted in 2007.
He said the new legislation would improve administrative efficiency, enhance legal clarity, and align tenancy regulation with present-day realities.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed law seeks to establish a rent control board and a rent control task force with powers to set standard rent rates and ensure compliance across the state.
Sections 8 to 11 of the draft bill empower the board to regulate landlord and tenant activities, including enforcement of the governor’s authority to impose rent ceilings.
Under section 13, rent-related complaints must first be submitted to the board before they can be taken to court.
Section 15 gives landlords and tenants the right to request a review or variation of rent rates through the board.
Sections 16 and 17 outline specific rights and duties for both parties, aimed at fostering a balanced rental relationship.
The bill also introduces penalties under sections 19 to 25, 36, 54 to 55 and 59 for unlawful evictions, rent racketeering, and refusal to issue receipts.
Agents will be required to register with the rent control board and cannot charge more than five percent of the rent sum as agency fees, as stated in sections 13, 18 and 20.
Section 18 prohibits landlords and agents from collecting more than 12 months’ rent in advance, with penalties attached for violations.
Landlords will also be mandated to register their premises, maintain rent books, and submit tenants’ personal details to the board for security purposes.
A rent tax will apply to landlords who earn more than N3 million annually from rental income, according to section 13.
Section 25 criminalises impersonation by fake landlords or agents attempting to fraudulently collect rent.
Sections 23 and 24 prescribe sanctions for board officials and property owners found guilty of bribery or collusion.
The bill prohibits rent-related matters from being reported to police or security agents except where criminal activity is involved, in line with section 13.
Lawal said the bill is intended to create “checks and balances” that promote peace, transparency, and fairness in Kogi’s housing sector.
He said the proposed law would ensure lawful coexistence between landlords and tenants while strengthening the legal framework governing property rentals.
