By Willy Okonji Lagos-
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to estate agents against imposing illegal fees and reaffirmed its stance on the one-year maximum rent payment policy.
At a recent meeting with the leadership of the Estate, Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAN), Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, emphasized that the state remains committed to implementing flexible rent payment options — monthly, quarterly, and annually — but only up to a maximum of one year.
“We are actively engaging stakeholders to ensure that rent processes become more transparent, fair, and tenant-friendly,” Akinderu-Fatai said in a statement co-signed with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.
The commissioner expressed concern over the growing trend of unethical practices in the real estate sector, including exorbitant fees and arbitrary rent hikes. “These actions violate the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Law and are contributing to increased rent defaults,” he warned.
Akinderu-Fatai reminded agents that the law allows them to charge no more than 10 percent on real estate transactions and urged them to report unlicensed individuals who mislead property owners.
“We expect practitioners to uphold the integrity of the profession by distancing themselves from those who impose unapproved charges and exploit tenants,” he said. “The government is ready to collaborate to ensure that rent becomes more affordable while protecting landlords and encouraging timely payments.”
In response, ERCAN President, Mr. Godwin Aleke, pledged his association’s full support. “We stand with the state government on this initiative. ERCAN is committed to working with other stakeholders to clean up real estate practices and promote the monthly, quarterly, and yearly rent structure,” he said.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that ensuring access to fair housing remains a top priority and warned that violators of real estate regulations would face appropriate sanctions.
