The bill to amend the 2004 Landlord and Tenant Law has successfully passed a second reading in the Enugu State House of Assembly during a plenary session at the Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
Mr Okey Mbah, the sponsor of the bill and representative of the Nkanu East Constituency, explained that the amendment aims to reduce the burdens and exploitation faced by tenants from landlords and land agents, including legal fees, caution fees, caretaker’s fees, and other charges.
He highlighted that these issues have prevented many tenants from securing decent accommodations. He emphasized that the amendment is not directed at any individual but rather focuses on improving the lives of the people.
“This second amendment bill is proposed to modify the provisions of the 2004 Landlord and Tenant Bill, which was amended in 2008. Its primary goal is to address the arbitrary and excessive fees charged by agents in Enugu State during the process of securing rental properties for prospective tenants,” he stated.
Mbah pointed out that the exorbitant costs faced by tenants are unregulated, creating a situation where the rental market resembles a free-for-all. He noted that many individuals posing as agents defraud innocent accommodation seekers, often vanishing without a trace.
The bill also seeks to eliminate other arbitrary charges, such as caution fees, management fees, and other hidden costs imposed on prospective tenants. Mbah urged the state government to take bold action to rein in the excesses of agents and protect low-income earners.
Mr Anthony Nwankwo from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Awgu South, supported the bill. He lamented that the costs of house rent, legal fees, and agency fees in Enugu are comparable to those in Lagos and Abuja. He described this situation as alarming and called for an investigation into landlords who consistently raise their rents, placing an unbearable burden on residents.
On the other hand, Mr Hyginus Okoh of the PDP, representing Enugu East Urban, cautioned against passing a bill that might inadvertently allow agents to further exploit accommodation seekers. Okoh noted that the cost of land surveying increased significantly after surveyors were required to pay a specific fee to the government.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Chief Uche Ugwu, instructed the House Committees on Housing and Judiciary to review the bill and submit their report by March 25.
