The Delta State Landlord and Tenant Bill on Wednesday scaled second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly, as calls to checkmate the rising cost of house rent intensifies across the state.
The bill, which seeks to regulate the activities of landlords, tenants, and agents, is being sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi.
The bill received overwhelming support from lawmakers during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Leading debate on the bill, Hon. Nwaobi said it was prompted by persistent public outcry over unfair tenancy practices and aimed at protecting both tenants and property owners. He explained that the proposed law will curb exploitation by landlords and agents, while also promoting fairness and transparency in rent administration.
Read also:
- Ozoro Residents lament years of water scarcity as Urban Water Board lies dormant
- Enugu power outage: Technical maintenance partially completed, says MEDL
- Kano gets new FRSC sector commander
According to him, the bill provides that “no landlord shall increase rent by more than 50 percent within a three-year period,” adding that it also establishes rent tribunals in all local government areas and caps agency fees at five percent.
Over 20 lawmakers contributed in support of the bill, describing it as timely, people-oriented, and necessary to replace the obsolete Rent Control Law of 1977. They emphasized that the legislation reflects current economic realities and will help stabilize the housing sector.
Following unanimous approval through a voice vote, Speaker Guwor referred the bill to the joint committees on Housing, Urban Renewal, and Women Affairs & Humanitarian Support Services for further legislative work.
In a related development, the Speaker also announced the constitution of a seven-member ad hoc committee headed by Hon. Emeka Nwaobi to investigate the alleged crisis between the Rector and Governing Council of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, following a motion raised by Hon. Isaac Anwuzia (Aniocha South).
