Lagos Criminalises Illegal Evictions, Sets Jail Term and ₦1m Fine for Landlords Who Harass Tenants

• The Lagos State Government has moved to end illegal evictions and tenant harassment with a new tenancy bill that outlaws self-help measures by landlords and introduces stiff penalties, including fines and possible jail terms.

The Lagos State Government has proposed a sweeping reform of tenancy laws with the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025, criminalising illegal evictions, harassment, and other self-help tactics commonly used by landlords against tenants.

Under Section 10 of the draft bill, landlords are prohibited from disturbing a tenant’s “quiet and peaceable enjoyment” of rented premises. The law expressly forbids actions such as removing roofs, cutting electricity or water supply, or engaging in any conduct that interferes with a tenant’s lawful occupation of a property.

Section 43 of the bill goes further by making it a criminal offence for any landlord or person to demolish, alter, or damage a building, threaten, molest, or forcibly eject a tenant without a valid court order. Offenders risk a fine of not less than ₦1 million, a custodial or non-custodial sentence of up to six months, or both.

The proposed law responds to widespread complaints of landlords locking out tenants, invading apartments, or using thugs to enforce evictions during rent disputes.

To address arbitrary rent hikes, Section 33 empowers courts to determine whether an increase is reasonable. Judges are to consider rent levels in similar locations, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances relating to the property. Crucially, landlords are barred from evicting tenants while such cases are pending in court.

The bill also introduces faster dispute resolution mechanisms. Sections 20 to 24 allow tenancy matters to be filed through originating summons, require hearings to be scheduled within 14 days, and permit courts to sit on weekends, public holidays, or virtually. Mediation is limited to a maximum of 30 days.

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In addition, the draft law strengthens transparency and accountability. Landlords must provide tenants with a six-monthly account of service charges and security deposits, which must be refunded except where damage is properly documented. Tenants’ rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, use of common areas, and compensation for approved improvements are also reaffirmed.

If passed into law, the bill is expected to significantly reshape landlord-tenant relations in Lagos, offering stronger legal protection to tenants amid rising rents and frequent disputes.