Landlords in Delta State may soon face restrictions on how much they can raise rents, as a new bill seeking to regulate rental practices advances in the State House of Assembly.
The proposed Landlord and Tenant Bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, passed its second reading on Friday.
The legislation aims to promote fairness and transparency between property owners and tenants by ensuring rent increases do not exceed 50 per cent within a three-year period.
During the plenary session presided over by Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, lawmakers praised the bill as a timely and people-focused response to the state’s housing challenges. They said the measure reflects current economic realities and would help bring stability to the rental market.
If passed, the law would also limit agency fees to five per cent and establish rent tribunals across all local government areas to resolve tenancy disputes.
The bill has now been referred to the joint committees on Housing, Urban Renewal, and Women Affairs & Humanitarian Support Services for further scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Speaker also announced the formation of a seven-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Nwaobi, to investigate a reported dispute between the Rector and Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.