Lagos to enforce one-year rent payment rule – Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has announced plans to enforce the one-year rent payment rule, stop landlords from demanding multiple years’ rent in advance and improve housing affordability through stronger regulations and property sector reforms.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has announced plans to enforce the state’s one-year rent payment provision, warning landlords against demanding two or three years’ rent in advance.

According to The PUNCH, Hamzat disclosed this during Sunday’s governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos.

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate said the provision was contained in the state’s 2025 real estate law.

“So the next chapter for Lagos is to enforce, to make sure. So people should not be asked 2 years, 3 years ahead because nobody gets salary three years ahead,” he said.

Hamzat urged residents to report violations through the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency’s online platform.

He also promised to complete ongoing housing projects, accelerate land documentation through automation and encourage private developers to invest in less affluent communities.

The deputy governor stressed that collaboration between government and developers would improve housing affordability across Lagos State.