Spain’s housing crisis has become the central issue behind Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s decision to call a snap general election for November 29.

The decision followed parliament’s rejection of two government-backed housing measures aimed at easing pressure on renters and strengthening protections for vulnerable tenants. 

The measures were defeated on Friday after the conservative Popular Party, Vox and Catalan party Junts voted against them. The proposals included stronger protections against evictions, regulation of temporary and room rentals, and measures targeting rising rental costs. 

Housing Protests Spread Across Spain

The parliamentary defeat came amid nationwide protests over rising rents, housing shortages and tenant insecurity.

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid and other cities, while protesters established a tent camp in central Madrid demanding urgent government action on housing. 

The protests were intensified by the case of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was evicted from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for about 70 years.

Her eviction became a focal point for campaigners highlighting rising rents and the difficulties faced by tenants struggling to remain in their homes. 

Spain Faces Rising Housing Costs

Housing affordability has become a major issue as rents and property prices have increased while the supply of affordable homes remains limited.

Reuters reported that Spain faces a projected housing deficit of about one million homes by 2028, while affordability has become particularly difficult for younger adults. 

The crisis has also exposed differences over how Spain should respond.

While Sánchez’s government has backed stronger tenant protections and restrictions affecting the rental market, the opposition Popular Party has argued for increasing housing construction and easing planning restrictions. 

Housing Now Dominates Political Debate

Sánchez said the country needs broader political support to advance his programme, announcing the November 29 election after the housing measures failed in parliament. 

The election will now put housing policy at the centre of Spain’s national political debate, with questions over rents, new housing supply, tenant protection and access to affordable accommodation likely to remain major issues.

The post Spain Housing Crisis: Snap Election Called After Parliament Rejects Tenant Relief Measures appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Spain is facing mounting social and political pressure over its housing crisis after tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country following parliament’s rejection of government measures aimed at easing pressure on tenants and protecting vulnerable households.

The protests came after Spain’s Congress rejected two housing decrees introduced by the Socialist-led coalition government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The measures were designed to address rising rents and eviction pressures and followed the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, from the Madrid home where she had lived for about seven decades.

The case became a major focus of public anger and helped trigger a wave of housing protests across Spain.

Tens of thousands join housing protests

Large demonstrations were held in Madrid and other Spanish cities as protesters demanded stronger action on housing affordability.

According to the Spanish government, about 70,000 people took part in Saturday’s demonstration in Madrid, while protests were reported in around 50 cities.

Demonstrations were largely peaceful in several locations, although clashes occurred between protesters and police in Madrid and Valencia.

Police used rubber bullets and tear gas during unrest in parts of the two cities, while authorities also reported arrests connected to disturbances around the demonstrations.

In Madrid, protesters gathered around Puerta del Sol, where housing activists had established a protest camp.

Some demonstrators carried messages calling for a general strike as the housing dispute increasingly became linked to wider concerns about living costs and government policy.

Parliament rejects housing measures

The protests intensified after Spain’s parliament rejected the government’s housing decrees.

The government had approved the measures on September 29 in response to growing concerns about access to housing and the fallout from Abascal’s eviction.

Among the measures was protection against the eviction of vulnerable tenants and changes designed to limit sharp increases in rental costs.

The government had also proposed measures covering temporary rentals and rental contracts by room.

The measures required parliamentary approval because of their status as government decrees.

However, the government failed to secure sufficient support in the fragmented parliament.

The rejection meant that the proposed protections did not take effect as planned, adding to frustration among tenant groups and housing campaigners.

Eviction case becomes symbol of housing crisis

The case involving Abascal became a symbol of Spain’s wider housing difficulties.

The 87-year-old had lived in her Madrid apartment for around 70 years under a rent-controlled arrangement.

Her eviction on September 23 attracted national attention and was followed by protests demanding that she be allowed to return home.

The controversy contributed to the government’s decision to accelerate housing measures intended to prevent similar situations involving vulnerable tenants.

An agreement was subsequently reached allowing Abascal to return to her home under the same rent arrangement.

However, the wider housing concerns remained unresolved, with tenant organisations arguing that the government’s proposals did not go far enough to address affordability and the shortage of accessible rental housing.

Rental costs remain a major concern

Spain’s housing problems extend beyond individual eviction cases.

Rental costs have increased substantially in many parts of the country over the past decade, while the supply of affordable housing has struggled to keep pace with demand.

The pressure is particularly visible in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, where demand for rental accommodation remains high.

Housing campaigners have also raised concerns about the impact of tourist accommodation, property investment and limited public housing supply on the availability and affordability of homes.

The result has been increasing pressure on households whose incomes have not kept pace with housing costs.

Political pressure increases

The defeat of the housing measures has also created additional political pressure for Sánchez’s minority government.

The vote exposed the difficulty of securing parliamentary support for major housing legislation in a fragmented political environment.

Junts per Catalunya, which has previously supported Sánchez’s government, voted against the measures, alongside opposition parties including the conservative People’s Party and Vox.

Following the vote, opposition parties called for political changes, while reports of a possible early general election began circulating.

Sánchez’s office has not officially confirmed plans for an early election, and the political situation remains subject to further developments.

The housing issue has therefore become intertwined with broader questions about the government’s ability to pass legislation and maintain parliamentary support.

Calls for wider mobilisation

Tenant organisations have continued to call for demonstrations following the parliamentary defeat.

Spain’s major trade unions, Comisiones Obreras and UGT, also called for mobilisation after Congress rejected the housing decrees.

The unions said the cost of housing was contributing to inequality and reducing the purchasing power of workers, while acknowledging that the rejected measures alone would not have solved the broader housing crisis.

Housing campaigners have called for stronger tenant protections, more affordable rental housing and policies capable of addressing the underlying shortage of homes.

The protests have also brought together tenant groups, neighbourhood organisations and other social movements demanding a broader response to housing affordability.

Housing remains a major policy challenge

Spain’s latest housing dispute highlights the difficulty governments face in balancing tenant protection, housing supply, property ownership and investment interests.

The Spanish government has argued that urgent intervention is needed to protect access to housing, while opponents of some of its proposed measures have raised concerns about their possible impact on the rental market.

For now, the rejection of the housing decrees has left the government under pressure from both housing campaigners and political opponents.

With demonstrations continuing in cities across Spain, housing affordability, rents and eviction protections are expected to remain major issues in the country’s political debate.

The post Spain’s Housing Crisis Fuels Nationwide Protests, Political Pressure appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Rising house rents in the Federal Capital Territory are putting increasing pressure on household incomes, with some residents now spending a substantial portion of their annual earnings on accommodation and cutting back on food, education, transportation and other essential expenses.

A News Agency of Nigeria study cited by The Whistler found that the rising cost of accommodation has forced many Abuja households to reduce their standard of living as rent increases continue to outpace incomes.

The report comes as the National Bureau of Statistics recorded a sharp increase in rent inflation, with the rate rising to 33.8 per cent in July 2026 from 14.79 per cent in June.

Residents interviewed across different parts of the FCT described significant increases in annual rents, with some saying the increases had affected their businesses, savings and ability to meet other household obligations.

Abuja residents face steep rent increases

Olusegun Daniels, a businessman living in Karu, said the annual rent for his two-bedroom bungalow increased from N1.5 million to N3.5 million.

He said the more than 100 per cent increase had affected his business, which was already experiencing weak turnover.

Daniels also said the rent for his business premises had risen from N300,000 to N450,000, adding to the financial pressure on his household and business.

Another resident, Emeka Okafor, who lives in Wuse, said the rent for his one-bedroom apartment increased from N1 million to N1.8 million before rising further to N2 million.

Although the higher rent had become difficult to afford, Okafor said he had continued living in the area because of its proximity to his business.

He said the combination of weak business activity and rising rents had left him and others struggling to keep up with their financial obligations.

Families cut back on household needs

Evelyn Bode, a civil servant living in Kubwa, said a two-bedroom apartment that previously rented for between N600,000 and N800,000 was now going for between N1.5 million and N2 million a year, depending on the location and condition of the building.

The rising rent has forced her family to make changes to its household spending.

Bode said she had moved her children to cheaper schools and reduced spending on food as the cost of maintaining the household became increasingly difficult.

She said the pressure had reached a point where meeting basic needs had become a challenge.

Another civil servant, Livinus Anya, who lives in Nyanya, said his annual rent increased from N600,000 in February 2025 to N1.6 million in December 2025.

Anya said he previously made monthly contributions and savings to raise money for his annual rent, but the new rent was beyond what his savings could comfortably cover.

He said the pressure had also affected his ability to use his vehicle because he could no longer afford to combine fuel costs with rent, school fees and feeding expenses.

According to him, a two-bedroom apartment in a new building in the area now rents for between N2 million and N2.5 million annually.

Two-year rent demands add to pressure

Sani Musa, a teacher living in Lugbe, said the demand for two years’ rent upfront by some landlords was making it increasingly difficult for low-income earners to secure accommodation.

Musa linked the increase in rents to several factors, including the housing deficit, rural-to-urban migration and the rising cost of building materials.

He called for government intervention and regulations to address sharp increases in rent and prevent what he described as unreasonable hikes by landlords.

He also argued that any regulation introduced to address the problem would need to be properly enforced.

Workers struggle to keep pace with housing costs

Abigail Abidolu, a civil servant living in Apo Resettlement, said her one-bedroom apartment had increased from N500,000 to N1.2 million.

She said the increase in rent had come at a time when salaries had not increased substantially.

According to her, some additional income opportunities and training-related benefits previously available at her workplace had also been cancelled, further reducing her family’s financial flexibility.

The experiences of the residents interviewed reflect the broader challenge created when housing costs rise faster than household incomes.

For many workers, annual rent payments are not the only housing-related expenses. Agency fees, legal charges, service charges and other costs can increase the amount required before a tenant can move into a property.

Housing affordability remains a major challenge

The rising rents are occurring alongside broader pressures on household budgets.

Residents are also dealing with higher costs for food, transportation, healthcare, education and other necessities, leaving less disposable income for housing.

The NBS rent-inflation figure cited in the report highlights the scale of the pressure facing tenants across the country, while the individual experiences in Abuja show how the increase is affecting households at different income levels.

The continued increase in rent also raises concerns about housing affordability in the FCT, particularly for low- and middle-income workers who depend largely on fixed salaries.

As rents rise, households may be forced to move farther away from employment centres, reduce the quality or size of their accommodation, share housing with others or divert money meant for other household needs towards rent.

Calls for affordable housing and rent regulation

Residents interviewed in the study called for stronger government intervention to expand access to affordable housing and address rising rental costs.

Anya urged governments at different levels to provide low-cost housing for workers, while Musa called for measures that would regulate rent increases.

The residents also pointed to the need for more affordable housing units to reduce pressure on the existing rental market.

The housing challenge in Abuja is further complicated by population growth, demand for accommodation around employment centres and the cost of developing new housing.

As construction costs remain high and demand for housing continues, residents face the challenge of finding accommodation they can afford without sacrificing other essential household needs.

For many Abuja households, the rising cost of rent has therefore become more than a housing issue. It is increasingly affecting how families allocate their income across food, education, transport, healthcare and other basic needs.

The post Rising Abuja Rents Consume Workers’ Annual Earnings as Households Cut Spending appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Madrid and other Spanish cities on Saturday, demanding affordable housing and stronger protection for tenants.

The demonstrations came a day after Spain’s parliament rejected government-backed measures aimed at providing relief to renters, deepening pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s minority government.

The protests were triggered by the September 23 eviction of 87-year-old pensioner Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment, where she had lived for more than 70 years.

Protesters Demand Affordable Housing

Authorities estimated that about 70,000 people joined Saturday’s demonstration in Madrid, while organisers claimed the turnout reached 500,000.

Hundreds of protesters have also occupied a tent city in central Madrid for about a week, demanding government action over rising housing costs.

Marcos Sainz, a 26-year-old librarian, told AFP that he previously shared a two-bedroom apartment with friends for €900 a month. He said a one-bedroom apartment can now cost around €1,000 monthly, roughly half the median salary in Madrid.

Javier, a 31-year-old solar panel installer, said protesters were demanding “a fundamental right: decent housing, stability and conditions allowing us to construct a decent life project”.

He said he spends half of his salary on a small room.

Sanchez Housing Measures Rejected

Sanchez’s left-wing coalition had proposed measures including automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and tighter restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants.

However, lawmakers rejected the proposals on Friday after Catalan separatist party Junts voted against them.

Junts joined the opposition Popular Party and Vox in defeating the measures.

The parliamentary setback has raised fresh questions over whether Sanchez’s minority government can remain in office until the next scheduled general election in 2027.

Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo urged Sanchez to call an early election, arguing that the prime minister no longer had sufficient political backing.

Housing Costs Fuel Growing Anger

Housing has remained a major concern in Spain as demand continues to outpace supply in many areas.

According to real estate website Idealista, average rents in Spain have nearly doubled over the past decade, while asking prices for homes have increased by about 90 per cent.

Abascal’s eviction became a rallying point for housing campaigners after her apartment was acquired by an investment company that sought to increase her rent by 275 per cent, according to campaigners.

The backlash eventually resulted in an agreement allowing Abascal to return to the apartment at a lower rent.

Tenants’ Union Calls For General Strike

Valeria Racu, a spokesperson for the Tenants’ Union, said the protests represented a new wave of grassroots mobilisation.

She said the union would continue pushing for stronger housing protections and repeated its call for a general strike.

The demonstrations come amid broader political pressure on Sanchez, with recent opinion polls generally showing the opposition Popular Party ahead of the governing Socialists, according to AFP.

The post Spain Housing Crisis: Tens Of Thousands March In Madrid Over Rising Rents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Many years after independence, Nigerian civil servants continue to grapple with rising rents, stagnant wages and the growing difficulty of home ownership. For millions of workers, owning a house remains a distant dream as housing costs continue to rise faster than incomes.

Nigeria’s housing challenge has remained one of the country’s most persistent development issues. Despite several interventions and policy promises over the years, the gap between housing demand and available supply continues to widen.

Rapid urbanisation, population growth, inflation, and high construction costs have combined to worsen the crisis, leaving many Nigerians trapped in expensive rental markets.

Housing Deficit Continues to Grow

While estimates vary, stakeholders generally agree that Nigeria’s housing deficit exceeds 15 million units.

This shortfall has forced millions of families into overcrowded apartments, substandard housing and informal settlements.

Unlike many developed countries where mortgage systems support large-scale home ownership, Nigeria’s housing finance sector remains weak due to high interest rates, low incomes and inadequate long-term financing structures.

For years, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has remained one of the few institutions providing affordable long-term housing loans at single-digit interest rates.

However, experts say inadequate capitalisation has limited the institution’s reach.

Rising Rent Pressure on Workers

Across major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano, rent prices have surged significantly.

Inflation, foreign exchange instability, high energy costs and increased prices of building materials have pushed up development costs, with landlords transferring those expenses directly to tenants.

For civil servants whose salaries often remain fixed for long periods, the impact has been severe.

Many workers now spend substantial portions of their income on rent and transportation after relocating to distant suburbs in search of cheaper accommodation.

In many cases, salary earners devote more than half of their monthly income to housing-related expenses.

FG Introduces N10bn Mortgage Intervention

The Federal Government recently announced a N10 billion housing facility through a partnership involving FMBN and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB).

The initiative aims to improve housing affordability and expand access to mortgage opportunities for federal workers.

The collaboration gained momentum following strategic engagements between leadership of both organisations focused on developing practical housing solutions tailored specifically to civil servants.

Under the arrangement, FMBN will provide funding support to FGSHLB for onward lending to workers.

The agreement is expected to strengthen access to homeownership financing, home renovation support, rent assistance and incremental housing development.

FMBN Expands Affordable Housing Products

Over the years, FMBN has expanded beyond traditional mortgage offerings.

The bank now provides products including:

• NHF Mortgage Loans
• Home Renovation Loans
• Rent-to-Own schemes
• Individual Construction Loans
• Cooperative Housing Development Loans
• Home Improvement Loans
• Rent Assistance programmes
• Diaspora Mortgage products

Among workers, the Home Renovation Loan has become particularly attractive because it offers affordable financing for repairs and completion of existing projects.

What the Initiative Means for Civil Servants

Analysts believe the significance of the N10 billion housing facility extends beyond its financial value.

The intervention arrives at a period when rising living costs and expensive rental obligations are placing enormous pressure on workers.

For many civil servants who dedicate decades to public service without realistic prospects of owning a home, the initiative offers renewed hope.

Importantly, FMBN Managing Director Shehu Usman Osidi disclosed that the bank had previously disbursed over N2.6 billion in Home Renovation Loans to more than 3,000 federal civil servants through FGSHLB.

This existing implementation record is seen as a sign that the partnership has practical foundations beyond policy announcements.

Industry observers say affordable housing can no longer be treated solely as a social intervention. It is increasingly becoming an economic necessity tied directly to worker welfare, productivity and long-term financial security.

The post How FG’s N10bn Housing Scheme Could Ease Nigeria’s Housing Burden on Civil Servants appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The housing crisis in Nigeria is worsening, with rising rents across major cities pushing many people toward homelessness. Homeownership remains low at just 25%, while the country faces a housing deficit of about 28 million units. More Nigerians now rely on rentals, but these are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

High demand, low housing supply, inflation, and high interest rates are the main factors driving up rents. These pressures have widened the housing gap, making it difficult for people to own or even rent homes. In many cities, people are abandoning their homeownership dreams just to find a roof over their heads.

In Lagos, rent increases are forcing residents out of central areas like Surulere, Gbagada, Ilupeju, and Yaba. Many have moved to suburbs such as Idimu, Ejigbo, Abulegba, Egbeda, and Ojodu Berger in search of lower rents.

Abuja is experiencing similar challenges. Locations like Kubwa, Lugbe, Gwarinpa, and Lokogoma, once considered affordable, are now unaffordable for the average tenant. Alloy Asogwa, a civil servant, used to pay ₦1.2 million annually for a two-bedroom flat in Lokogoma. His landlord raised the rent to ₦2 million, forcing him to relocate to Zuba, where he now pays ₦700,000 per year. However, his daily commuting costs have soared to ₦10,000 by car or ₦4,000 by public transport.

In Kubwa, rent for a one-bedroom apartment has risen from ₦500,000 to ₦700,000. A self-contained flat now costs between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000. A two-bedroom flat goes for ₦1.5 million to ₦2 million. In Gwarinpa, another civil servant reported that people are being evicted for failing to meet rent demands. He described the situation as a growing humanitarian crisis.

In Kaduna, where most residents are civil servants, rents have gone up by as much as 150%. This sharp rise has made housing unaffordable for many. Mubarak Aliyu, a tenant in Unguwan Rimi, said his rent jumped from ₦350,000 to ₦900,000. Many tenants blame landlords for increasing rents without reason. They are calling on the government to introduce laws to limit rent increases, require proper notice periods, and provide fair dispute resolution options.

Southeastern cities like Enugu, Aba, Owerri, Awka, and Umuahia are also seeing rising rents. Civil servants and small business owners are under pressure. In Awka, rent for a three-bedroom flat rose from ₦250,000 to over ₦700,000. Many families have been forced to move to villages or outer suburbs. Residents cite government inaction, high construction costs, inflation, and the role of estate agents as causes. Some also blame internet fraudsters, or “Yahoo Boys,” for raising demand and inflating rent.

In Umuahia, rent for a two-bedroom flat ranges from ₦400,000 to ₦600,000. A three-bedroom can cost between ₦700,000 and ₦1 million, and as much as ₦1.2 million in modern buildings with better facilities.

While some landlords say rent hikes are due to the rising cost of building materials, others admit they increase rents simply to profit. One landlord noted that many older landlords or their children, who inherited properties, raise rents without improving the buildings. He said new landlords consider fair pricing based on construction costs and market conditions.

Tenants and housing experts are calling for urgent government action. They want more affordable housing, clear tenancy laws, protection from sudden rent hikes, and systems to handle landlord-tenant disputes. Without quick intervention, Nigeria could face a widespread homelessness crisis, especially among low and middle-income earners.

The post Rising Rent Crisis Puts More Nigerians at Risk of Homelessness appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

One-bedroom apartment that was rented for between N200,000 and N250,000 annually, a year ago, has now soared to between N350,000 and N400,000.

In some prime areas of the city, such as Rayfield, Rantiya, and the Government Reserved Area (GRA), rent prices have skyrocketed to as high as N550,000, with some landlords demanding as high as N700,000 for that same apartment.

This sharp increase has left many tenants frustrated and struggling to keep up with the rising costs.

Some tenants, who spoke with our correspondent shared their frustration, revealing how the increase in rent has had a devastating effect on their finances.

“I’ve been living in this apartment for two years now. My rent used to be N550,000, but when I came to renew it, I was shocked to be told that the new rent would be N700,000. I barely make enough to cover the old rent, and now this increase is unbearable. I don’t know how long I can stay in this apartment,” Jude, a resident of Rayfield, said.

Another tenant, James, echoed similar concerns. “The increase in rent is so sudden and unfair. We are already struggling with the high cost of basic necessities. Now, on top of that, we have to deal with landlords raising rents to ridiculous amounts. I don’t see how this is sustainable for most of us who are just trying to make ends meet,” he said visibly upset.

The reasons for the sharp increase in rent are being attributed to several factors, with the high cost of building materials being one of the most cited.

Landlords argue that the surge in construction materials such as cement, steel, and labour costs has made it more expensive to maintain old buildings and build new properties.

A landlord in Rantiya, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The increase in rent is a direct result of the rising cost of building materials. As much as we understand the plight of tenants, we also have to account for the fact that maintaining a house is becoming more expensive by the day.”

A caretaker from the GRA area explained the situation from a different angle, noting that many landlords now see the current market as an opportunity to demand higher rents.

“We’re in a situation where demand is high, and with the influx of people, especially those with more disposable income, landlords feel justified in increasing rent,” said the caretaker.

“Some landlords do not mind inflating the rent to cater to wealthy individuals, including those engaged in internet fraud, who can afford to pay higher amounts.” the caretaker who pleaded anonymity added.

Interestingly, it has also been reported that some of the tenants themselves have noticed an increase in the number of individuals they believe are ‘Yahoo boys’ (a local term for internet fraudsters) who are willing to pay almost any amount for rented apartments.

“Some landlords have no problem with this because they know that such tenants will pay whatever they ask for. It’s becoming a problem because we, the regular tenants, have to suffer because of this,” said James another tenant.

NUJ urges Plateau government to regulate rent

During a recent meeting of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, members discussed the urgent need for the state government to intervene in controlling the rapid rise in rents.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, signed by Ayuku Pwaspo and Mary Damtur, the state chairman and secretary respectively, the union voiced its concerns, urging the government to act swiftly to address the issue before it becomes an insurmountable burden for average citizens.

The union expressed concern that the continuous hike in rent prices has been causing significant financial strain and hardship to citizens, making it increasingly difficult for many to secure affordable housing and commercial spaces.

The union emphasized that the skyrocketing rent was not only burdening individuals and families but also hindering business growth.

The Congress called on the state government to step in and regulate the escalating rent, ensuring that both tenants and landlords are treated fairly.

They also called for a more transparent and balanced approach to the housing and real estate market, to prevent further economic hardship for citizens and to promote stability in the state’s rental sector.

The growing rent crisis in Jos has also captured the attention of lawmakers in Plateau State. Gabriel Dewan, speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and the member representing Pankshin North, voiced his concerns over the sharp rent increases in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Speaking during one of the assembly’s plenary sessions, Dewan called on the state government to regulate the housing market, citing the need for affordable shelter for the people.

“We must ensure that basic human rights are upheld. Shelter is one of the most essential needs for every citizen. The current economic conditions and the constant hike in rents are putting undue hardship on the people of Jos, particularly tenants who are struggling to make ends meet,” Dewan stated in his motion.

“We are calling on the government to step in and regulate the rates at which rents are charged in the Jos and Bukuru areas. This is in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to adequate shelter and housing,” Dewan added, referring to sections 16(1)(d), 17(2)(h), and 34(1) of the Constitution.

Dewan also urged the Plateau State government to direct the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to engage with the association of landlords and other stakeholders to work towards reducing rents to more affordable levels. He emphasized that the state must put in place policies to ensure that housing remains accessible for all citizens, regardless of their income levels.

“With the current economic situation in our country today and the significant increase in the cost of living and the rate at which landlords are increasing house rent in Jos and Bukuru metropolis has further contributed to undue hardship on tenants who are struggling to make ends meet.

This is a critical matter that we need to call on the Government to look into it through its appropriate Ministry Department and Agencies not only to alleviate the suffering of tenants but to also stimulate economic growth and development in Plateau State.

“Now therefore, I call on this House to resolve to call on the Plateau State Government to direct State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other relevant Ministries Department and Agencies to Put policies in place that will regulate the rate of charges of house rent in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

Engage with Association of Landlords in Plateau State and urge them to reduce house rent for tenants in Jos and Bukuru metropolis to a more affordable amount. I so move.”

The lawmaker’s call for intervention has gained support among other lawmakers and residents, who have highlighted the dire consequences of unchecked rent hikes.

Many have noted that the unchecked rise in rents is not only making it harder for the average person to secure a place to live but is also driving more people into slums or informal settlements where living conditions are far from ideal.

“We are not just asking for government intervention as tenants, but as human beings who deserve basic right. we need the government to step in before things get out of hand”; a tenant in Rayfield noted.

Despite the growing concern, some landlords remain adamant in their position, stating that they cannot lower rents given the rising cost of maintenance and repairs.

A landlord in Rayfield who preferred anonymity explained, “When you look at the cost of repairs, maintenance, and the cost of building materials, it becomes clear why we have to raise rents. It’s not because we want to take advantage of tenants, but because the economics of running a property have changed.”

For now, many residents are left wondering if the state government will heed the calls for action or if the rent crisis will continue to spiral out of control. As debates continue in the state assembly, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers and the government will find a solution to this pressing issue, or if tenants will continue to bear the brunt of skyrocketing rents.

The Plateau State government has yet to make an official response to the call for intervention, but tenants, NUJ and lawmakers alike remain hopeful that a resolution will soon be found to provide relief to those most affected by the current rent hikes.

The post Jos tenants laments as rent crisis hits Jos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The cost of renting homes in Lagos continues to rise, leaving many residents struggling and calling for government intervention.

Damilola Adebayo’s 71-year-old father recently relocated after his former landlord sold the house he was renting. In Lagos’ Agege area, he paid N260,000 for a single room—without basic self-contained facilities. Adebayo contributed N120,000 to secure the space despite living in Ibafo, Ogun State, while working in Ikeja.

He shared how two of his friends are also struggling to raise N370,000 for a single room, accusing landlords of exploiting tenants despite the high cost of construction and maintenance.

Last week, on-air personality Gbemi O.O drew attention to the rent crisis with a post on X, which received 2.4 million views. Her post sparked reactions from frustrated tenants, including @demolarashid, who faced a 400% rent increase, and @AdeyefAbiola, whose landlord doubled his rent.

Calls for Rent Regulation Grow

Yetunde, a tenant in Ikeja, revealed that her rent rose from N700,000 to N900,000, a 29% increase, despite no improvements to the property. She urged the government to regulate rent, ensuring tenants aren’t at landlords’ mercy.

Joshua, another tenant, echoed similar concerns, criticizing the growing demand by landlords for two years’ rent upfront. Faith, who commutes from Ogba to Ikeja, also called for government intervention through rent control policies.

Landlords Cite High Building Costs

Landlords attribute rent hikes to rising construction expenses. Adeniyi Adenekan explained that the price of cement rose from N4,000 to nearly N10,000, alongside increasing government levies. Although he hasn’t raised rents in three years, he understands why others have, noting some landlords depend solely on rental income.

Suraj Ogundijo also pointed to inflation and soaring material costs as key drivers of rent increases.

Real Estate Agents Blame Economic Conditions

Chief Dozie Ebikam, Vice Chairman of APICAN, Ogba Branch, noted that property prices surged following fuel subsidy removal. He revealed that a three-bedroom flat in an estate that cost under N1 million in 2022 now exceeds N3 million.

Ebikam dismissed claims that agents cause rent inflation, asserting they only benefit when people can afford to rent. He supported rent regulation to ensure fairness between old and new properties.

Monthly Rent System Considered

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu proposed a monthly rent system in 2021 to ease tenants’ financial burdens. Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, confirmed plans to implement the scheme by early 2025, starting with the public sector.

Ebikam welcomed the policy, citing similar practices in developed countries, which ease financial strain and promote better money management. However, landlords like Adenekan and Ogundijo opposed the move, warning that it might worsen financial pressure on tenants.

Housing Deficit Worsens Rental Market

Lagos’ rent crisis is exacerbated by a housing deficit exceeding three million units. A 2024 report by BuyLetLive revealed that 98.5% of Lagos residents live in rented apartments. The report also highlighted that areas like Yaba, Surulere, and Gbagada are in high demand but lack sufficient housing to meet rising needs.

With inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and surging building costs, rental prices continue to climb, deepening concerns among tenants.

Efforts to reach Lagos State officials for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Source: WHISTLER

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