The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to strengthen enforcement against fraudulent estate agents. The anti-graft agency also advised the regulator to create a denylist for individuals and companies found guilty of real estate fraud.

The recommendation came during a meeting between the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate II, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engineer Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola. Senior officials from LASRERA also attended the meeting.

Kaltungo said stronger regulation would help protect homebuyers, investors and property developers. He also called for regular information sharing between both agencies to improve investigations and enforcement.

EFCC Offers Investigative Support

The EFCC said it will continue to support LASRERA with investigations into fraudulent property transactions. Kaltungo explained that closer cooperation would help identify offenders faster and ensure they face prosecution under the law.

He also praised LASRERA for implementing the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law 2022. According to him, the law has created a stronger foundation for regulating the real estate industry in Lagos.

The commission disclosed that it is handling several cases involving alleged fake estate agents and property-related fraud. These cases involve individuals and organisations accused of misleading members of the public through illegal real estate transactions.

Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency

Engineer Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola said the Lagos State Government remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism in the property market.

He noted that stronger collaboration with the EFCC would improve compliance with existing regulations. He added that the partnership would also increase public confidence in buying, selling and investing in property across the state.

Both organisations agreed to deepen their cooperation as part of efforts to reduce criminal activities within the real estate sector.

Why Stronger Regulation Matters

Property fraud remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s housing sector. Many buyers lose money through fake land sales, forged documents, multiple sales of the same property and unregistered estate operators.

These practices weaken investor confidence and slow the growth of the housing market. They also create risks for mortgage lenders, developers and genuine estate professionals.

Industry experts have consistently argued that stronger regulation can improve transparency and attract more investment into Nigeria’s real estate sector. Better enforcement can also encourage responsible housing development and strengthen consumer protection.

As Lagos continues to expand, effective regulation will play an important role in creating a safer property market. Closer cooperation between regulators and law enforcement agencies could help reduce fraud and improve confidence in real estate transactions across the state.

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The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new tenancy law aimed at curbing arbitrary rent increases, illegal charges and exploitative practices in the real estate sector.

The State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to the commissioner, the proposed legislation is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly and seeks to address growing concerns over excessive rent hikes, arbitrary agency fees and fraudulent activities by unregistered estate agents.

Akinderu-Fatai explained that the bill is presently at the committee stage and is expected to introduce reforms capable of sanitising the housing and real estate sector in Lagos.

One of the major provisions of the proposed law would make registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority mandatory for all estate agents operating within the state.

He noted that operating without LASRERA registration would become a punishable offence once the bill is passed into law.

The commissioner stated that the move was designed to tackle the activities of unregistered agents accused of exploiting tenants through excessive charges, fraudulent transactions and multiple sales of properties.

Akinderu-Fatai further revealed that the proposed law would introduce weekend and public holiday sittings for tenancy-related disputes in a bid to accelerate justice delivery.

He added that the law would apply across all parts of Lagos State without exemption.

Under the proposed framework, tenants seeking legal action against landlords would also be required to present evidence of rent payment and updated utility bills before initiating court proceedings.

The commissioner stressed that the Lagos State Government remains committed to restoring transparency, accountability and sanity within the real estate sector.

He disclosed that LASRERA intensified enforcement against fraudulent operators and recovered over N270 million from fake estate agents between 2025 and 2026.

Akinderu-Fatai also reiterated the state government’s position that estate agency fees should not exceed 10 per cent of the total rent payable by tenants.

According to him, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is focused on making housing transactions more transparent, affordable and investor-friendly across Lagos State

The post Lagos Govt Proposes New Law to Control Rent and Estate Agency Fees appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

With a rapidly growing population and a widening housing deficit, continues to face mounting pressure on its housing sector. The shortage has created opportunities for fraudulent real estate agents to exploit unsuspecting residents seeking accommodation.

Nigeria’s housing deficit was estimated at 28 million units as of 2023, with Lagos accounting for about 17 million. The situation is expected to worsen as more than 500,000 people migrate into the state annually. Projections from the indicate that Lagos could reach a population of 32.6 million by 2050, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

The increasing demand for housing has led to a surge in fraudulent practices, including fake property listings, multiple sales of the same apartment, and non-existent land transactions.

Recently, the sealed the office of an unregistered agent operating in the Ikorodu area for allegedly using a fake registration number. The enforcement action was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force as part of efforts to sanitise the real estate sector.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, , only agents registered with LASRERA are legally permitted to operate in the state. She warned that the government would continue to clamp down on illegal operators to protect residents and restore confidence in property transactions.

Experts say many victims fall prey to fraudulent agents due to urgency, lack of verification, and limited awareness of regulatory requirements.

How to Avoid Fake Real Estate Agents in Lagos:

• Always confirm that the agent is registered with LASRERA before engaging in any transaction.
• Verify the agent’s registration number through official channels.
• Avoid making payments without proper documentation and receipts.
• Do not rely solely on online listings without physical inspection of the property.
• Be cautious of deals that appear too good to be true.
• Report suspicious agents or activities to LASRERA for investigation.

The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, enacted in 2021 and signed into law in 2022, provides a framework for regulating real estate transactions, licensing practitioners, and resolving disputes in the sector.

As housing demand continues to rise, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prioritise due diligence when dealing with property agents to avoid financial loss.

The post How to Avoid Falling Victim to Fake Real Estate Agents in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for deeper collaboration between the government and the private sector to address the state’s growing housing deficit.

The governor said affordable and sustainable housing delivery cannot be achieved by government efforts alone, stressing the need for partnerships with private developers, investors, and financial institutions.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday at the Sixth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference held on Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency (LASRERA).

He said his administration remains committed to building an inclusive housing sector but noted that meaningful progress depends on leveraging private capital, innovation, and structured financing models.

According to the governor, housing plays a critical role in human dignity, economic productivity, and social stability, adding that affordability must reflect the real income levels of residents.

Sanwo-Olu said the government’s role is to serve as an enabler, regulator, and strategic partner, rather than the sole provider of housing.

He added that sustainable urban development requires coordinated planning that integrates infrastructure, housing, and access to workplaces.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the state’s housing and infrastructure initiatives have positioned Lagos as a model megacity in Africa.

He noted that regulatory agencies play a crucial role in ensuring innovation in the real estate sector does not compromise safety, transparency, or compliance.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, said the conference provided a platform for government and private stakeholders to jointly tackle housing challenges in a rapidly growing city.

She disclosed that the state government is reviewing a new tenancy bill at the Lagos State House of Assembly to clarify the roles of real estate practitioners and improve property transaction processes.

Stakeholders at the conference discussed innovative financing options, infrastructure investment, and global best practices aimed at meeting Lagos’ housing needs.

A recent Lagos housing market report indicates that the state faces a housing deficit of over 3.3 million units, including hundreds of thousands of homes classified as unsafe or lacking basic services.

The post Sanwo-Olu Calls for Stronger Private Sector Partnerships to Close Lagos Housing Gap appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos State’s proposed Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 has introduced major reforms that could reshape how landlords, tenants, and real estate agents operate in the state’s rental market.

The Bill, currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, aims to modernise rental regulation, curb exploitative practices, and reduce long-standing disputes in Africa’s most active property market.

Lagos’ growing population and rapid urbanisation have intensified pressure on its rental system, exposing gaps in existing laws—especially in areas such as advance rent, unregulated agency fees, and prolonged eviction battles.

Key Highlights of the Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025

1. Agency Fees Capped at 5% and Mandatory LASRERA Registration

The Bill proposes stricter oversight of estate agents, mandating that all practitioners register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).

Agency fees are capped at 5% of annual rent.

Agents must remit funds collected on behalf of landlords within seven working days.

Agents must issue proper receipts for all transactions.

Violations attract penalties of up to ₦1 million, two years imprisonment, or both—measures targeted at eliminating double-renting scams, inflated commissions, and fraud involving unregistered agents.

2. Advance Rent Limited to One Year

To address rising complaints about excessive upfront payments:

New tenants cannot be charged more than one year’s rent in advance.

Sitting tenants paying monthly cannot be compelled to pay more than three months in advance.

Offering or accepting payments above these limits becomes an offence punishable by a ₦1 million fine or three months imprisonment.

For many renters, this is one of the most transformative proposals, potentially reducing financial pressure that has forced families into debt or homelessness.

3. Tenants Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

While the Bill does not fix rent prices, it grants tenants the right to challenge unreasonable rent hikes in court.

Courts may consider special circumstances such as property upgrades or market conditions before determining if a rent increase is justified.

Landlords are barred from evicting tenants while such disputes are ongoing—a critical protection in a city where sudden increases of 50–200% are common.

4. Faster and More Transparent Eviction Processes

The Bill introduces structured eviction procedures aimed at reducing prolonged disputes and improving trust between landlords and tenants.

Why the Bill Matters

With Lagos hosting one of Africa’s priciest and most chaotic rental markets, stakeholders say these reforms could reduce exploitation, strengthen regulation, and provide long-awaited legal protection for millions of tenants.

However, analysts warn that enforcement remains key, especially given high demand for housing and limited supply.

The post Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025: Fresh Provisions Emerge for Landlords, Agents and Tenants appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State government has introduced several measures to protect renters, including the Tenancy Law of 2011, which limits agency and legal fees to 10% of annual rent. It also launched LagosHOMS for affordable housing and set up LASRERA to regulate agents and curb fraud.

Persistent Violations

Despite these efforts, many agents ignore the law, forcing tenants to pay almost double the rent. Analysts blame weak enforcement and a housing deficit that worsens affordability for residents.

Renters’ Ordeals

Chidi Samuel, a single mother in Egbe, paid ₦650,000 for a ₦350,000 apartment after agents added ₦300,000 in fees. Kingsley Chinwendu faced similar exploitation—asked to pay ₦750,000 extra for a ₦3.5 million flat.

If the law were followed, both would have paid far less. Yet, in Lagos’s unregulated rental market, tenants remain the biggest victims.

By: Chuka Uroko

The post Renters Groan as Lagos Agents Defy Tenancy Laws appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Tenants in Lagos are paying nearly double their rent as agency and legal fees continue to exceed the limits set by the Lagos State Tenancy Law, despite repeated government warnings.

The law, enacted in 2011, caps both agency and legal fees at 10% of the annual rent. However, violations remain widespread, particularly in areas dominated by informal agents operating outside professional oversight.

In 2025, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) restated that any charge above the 10% threshold is illegal, warning agents and landlords to comply. Yet, many renters continue to bear inflated costs.

For example, Stainless Precious, a tenant in Ikorodu, paid ₦400,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and another ₦400,000 in additional charges, including ₦150,000 each for agency and legal fees. Similarly, Daniel Iwuoha in Maya, Ikorodu, paid ₦240,000 total for an apartment with a base rent of ₦150,000. Both dealt with unregistered agents.

While informal agents dominate most parts of the city, high-end neighborhoods like Victoria Island and Lekki show better compliance. Licensed estate firms there typically adhere to the 10% ceiling, backed by professional standards and regulatory oversight.

Bukola Ekunola, an accredited estate valuer, said his firm strictly applies the 10% cap as required by law. “Transactions in premium areas are more structured because professionals are involved,” he explained.

Experts blame the persistent breaches on weak enforcement, limited housing supply, and the prevalence of unregistered agents. Real estate analyst Olabisi Odusanya said, “Fee caps won’t work unless housing supply improves and agency operations are properly formalized.”

The Lagos State Government, through LASRERA, has made agent registration mandatory since June 2025 to curb fraud and promote accountability. The agency continues to work with professional bodies like the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to ensure compliance though enforcement remains a challenge in the city’s vast informal property market.

By: Caleb Obiowo

The post Lagos Tenants Pay Double Rent as Agents Flout 10% Fee Rule appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

To restore public confidence in Lagos’ property market, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) has launched Realtors Connect, a new platform aimed at tackling fraudulent practices and unregistered operators. The project is being delivered in partnership with LuchieGreen Properties and AndyAfrique Properties.

At the unveiling, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, reaffirmed government’s focus on affordable housing. She explained that initiatives such as mortgage expansion, rent-to-own programmes, and smart housing models are all part of broader efforts to reduce the housing deficit while keeping citizens safe from scams.

Underscoring the regulatory framework, Odunuga-Bakare noted that practitioners must be duly registered with LASRERA before operating in the sector. According to her, this policy is designed to protect investors and preserve transparency across transactions.

From the private sector’s perspective, the convener of the summit and CEO of LuchieGreen Properties, Oluchi Okafor, described Realtors Connect as more than just a networking event. She said it provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the elevation of professional standards in real estate practice.

Addressing one of the industry’s persistent challenges, Okafor warned that fraudulent operators continue to undermine trust. She reassured the public that properties acquired from credible firms remain safe, provided buyers insist on dealing with LASRERA-registered realtors.

Adding to the discussion, co-convener and CEO of AndyAfrique Properties, Okochi Andrew, praised the resilience of Lagos’ real estate market, citing the steady appreciation of land values. He encouraged entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in the sector while steering clear of unregistered operators.

In his closing remarks, Andrew stressed that the summit is setting a benchmark for credibility and professionalism. He maintained that only by enforcing strict compliance can Lagos establish a truly transparent and trustworthy real estate ecosystem.

The post LASRERA Teams Up with Property Firms to Strengthen Credibility, Fight Fraud appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has introduced a new tenancy bill aimed at curbing predatory practices by landlords and agents in the city’s residential and commercial property market.

Under the proposed law, landlords or agents are prohibited from demanding more than three months’ rent in advance from monthly occupants, or more than a year’s rent from annual tenants. Violators risk a ₦1 million fine, up to three months’ imprisonment, or both.

To reduce uncertainty for renters, the bill sets mandatory notice periods:

• Weekly tenants: 1 week

• Monthly tenants: 1 month

• Quarterly tenants: 3 months

• Yearly tenants: 6 months

It also fortifies transparency and accountability in property management. Landlords and agents must register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), remit rent payments within seven working days, issue proper rent receipts, and cap their commission at 5% of annual rent. Failure to comply may result in up to two years’ jail time or a ₦1 million fine, or both.

Crucially, the law forbids disruptive behaviors such as cutting off utilities, removing roofs, or engaging in other forms of harassment. Landlords are now legally responsible for general maintenance and repairs to preserve tenants’ peaceful occupancy.

This sweeping reform seeks to modernize landlord-tenant dynamics in Lagos, promoting fairness, security, and legal clarity in an often-contentious housing market.

The post Lagos Tenancy Law Proposes ₦1M Fine or Jail for Uninsured Buildings appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In a recent announcement from Alausa, Ikeja, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Head of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), declared that all real estate professionals must register with the agency before conducting business within the state.

She emphasized that anyone acting as a real estate agent, broker, or practitioner must obtain a valid LASRERA certificate of registration. Failing to do so is now considered a legal offence. The public has also been cautioned against engaging with unregistered agents, as such dealings may lead to penalties.

LASRERA oversees registration, monitors transactions, and investigates complaints in the real estate sector. According to the state government, this regulatory approach is designed to enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and increase public confidence in property dealings across Lagos.

Odunuga-Bakare also reiterated that agency fees must remain within the legally approved range of zero to ten percent. Charging beyond this limit is a direct violation of Lagos real estate regulation. Residents are encouraged to report any overcharging or unethical conduct to LASRERA.

She further reminded practitioners that it is unlawful to demand more than one year’s rent in advance. Similarly, collecting payment without delivering the agreed service is not permitted under the new enforcement rules.

These enforcement measures are part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda to restore order in the real estate sector and protect the rights of home seekers, property owners, and registered professionals.

To avoid fraud or legal complications, the government urges all residents to verify the LASRERA registration status of any real estate agent or company before entering into property transactions.

The post Lagos Enforces Strict Real Estate Regulation, Mandates LASRERA Registration appeared first on Housing TV Africa.