In a move to alleviate the financial burden on tenants, Lagos State has reinforced its prohibition against landlords demanding multiple months of rent in advance. This initiative coincides with the inauguration of Charterhouse Lagos, a prestigious British educational institution’s first African campus, underscoring the state’s commitment to enhancing both living conditions and educational opportunities.
The Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2011 explicitly prohibits landlords from collecting rent exceeding one year in advance from new tenants. Specifically, Section 4(1) of the law states:
It shall be unlawful for a landlord or his agent to demand or receive from a sitting tenant rent in excess of one year in respect of any premises.
Despite the law’s clear stipulations, enforcement has been inconsistent, leading to ongoing challenges for tenants. The state government is now intensifying efforts to ensure compliance, aiming to protect residents from exploitative rental practices.
In a significant boost to the state’s educational landscape, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently welcomed the establishment of Charterhouse Lagos, marking the institution’s first venture into Africa. The $150 million campus, situated on a 70-hectare site in Ogombo, Lekki, is set to be fully operational by 2028. The school’s development will unfold in phases, with the inaugural intake of primary school students scheduled for September 2024.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s potential to elevate educational standards in the region. He highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering partnerships that bring world-class educational opportunities to Nigerian students, aligning with broader goals of socio-economic development.
The reinforcement of tenancy laws is expected to provide much-needed relief to tenants, promoting fairer housing practices across Lagos State. Concurrently, the introduction of Charterhouse Lagos signifies a substantial investment in the state’s educational infrastructure, offering new opportunities for local students and contributing to the community’s growth.
These developments reflect Lagos State’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its residents through strategic policy enforcement and by attracting esteemed international institutions.
