KOGI ASSEMBLY ADVANCES BILL TO REGULATE RENT INCREASES AND AGENCY FEES | Prestige Real Estate News 

LOKOJA— The Kogi State House of Assembly is advancing legislation to regulate tenancy agreements, curb arbitrary rent increases and limit agency charges, as rising housing costs continue to strain residents across the state.

The proposed Kogi State Tenancy Law 2025 was presented to the House on August 13, 2026, following the submission of a Public Hearing report, according to Mr. Akus Lawal, member representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency.

Key provisions of the bill

*Consolidation of agency charges*
The legislation proposes to consolidate the multiple fees currently paid by tenants — including agency, caution and other related charges — into a single fee not exceeding five per cent of annual rent.

Lawal noted that tenants presently pay between 15 per cent and 20 per cent in combined charges when securing accommodation. The proposed cap, he said, is intended to reduce the upfront financial burden on prospective tenants.

*Registration of estate agents*
The bill also mandates that all estate agents operating in Kogi State register with the State Ministry of Housing.

According to Lawal, the registration framework is designed to identify accredited agents, regulate industry practice and enhance accountability in property transactions. The measure is expected to minimize the activities of unregulated operators and provide a clear structure for dispute resolution among tenants, landlords and agents.

*Restrictions on rent increases*
The proposed law would prohibit landlords from effecting rent increases without justifiable cause, particularly in the absence of property improvements or renovations.

Lawal said the provision seeks to provide greater predictability for tenants while preserving the right of landlords to adjust rents where legitimate circumstances warrant.

Protections for landlords

The bill is not limited to tenant safeguards. It also addresses instances of property damage and unlawful occupation.

Under the proposal, tenants found to have deliberately damaged rental premises may be required to restore the property to an acceptable condition prior to vacation, subject to landlord verification. The legislation further provides for fines and possible imprisonment for persons culpable of willful property destruction.

Lawal described the approach as aimed at establishing a more balanced legal relationship between both parties in the rental market.

Housing supply component

Beyond regulation, the Kogi State Government is pursuing measures to increase housing stock, with priority given to civil servants.

Lawal said that expanding supply alongside regulatory reforms would be critical to easing pressure on rents. He cautioned that regulation alone would not resolve structural housing shortages, and that a persistent demand-supply gap could undermine the intended impact of rent controls.

Implementation and outlook

The bill remains subject to further legislative consideration before it can become law. Its effectiveness, lawmakers noted, will depend on the capacity of regulatory institutions to register and monitor agents, enforce compliance and administer dispute-resolution mechanisms.

If enacted, the proposed law could introduce greater structure and transparency to Kogi’s rental market by standardizing fees, requiring agent accreditation and restricting unjustified rent increases, while also codifying protections for property owners.

Policy analysts say the ultimate impact will hinge on whether tenancy regulation is implemented in tandem with expanded housing delivery to address the underlying supply constraints.