What’s the Proposed Law?
Enugu’s House of Assembly, led by Hon. Okey Mbah (Nkanu East), introduced “The Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, Cap. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024.” Key provisions include:
Agency fees capped at 10% of annual rent.
Legal fees (for preparing tenancy agreements) also capped at 10%.
Caution fees (deposit fees frequently kept by landlords) are to be abolished.
Certification required for all property agents or managers operating in the state.
Stricter eviction rules, with legally defined timelines and notices.
🔍 Legislative Progress
First reading: Held in late February 2025. The bill has received support from the Speaker and is moving forward. Committees on Housing and Judiciary are reviewing it.
Penalties: Violators would face up to ₦500,000 or 6 months imprisonment—or both—for flouting caps or charging banned fees.
📣 Why It Matters
Financial relief for tenants: Unregulated fees became a burden.
Transparency: Caps force clarity—no surprise extras.
Reduced exploitation: Abolishing caution fees prevents landowners from unfairly retaining tenant funds.
Professionalization: Agent certification ensures accountability and safeguards tenants from unqualified practitioners.
🧾 Voices from the Ground
While direct public comments on Enugu are limited, the pattern mirrors discussions elsewhere in Nigeria, where tenants frequently express concern over excessive fees:
“My major concern is the agency fees. It’s just too much.”