Abia tenancy law caps agents’ commission at 5% — Spaces for Change
Spaces for Change (S4C) has commended the Abia State House of Assembly for passing the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority Bill 2026 (H.A.B 34), describing the legislation as a major step towards creating a more equitable and regulated housing market in the state.
The organisation said the proposed law, which is awaiting assent by the Abia State Governor, would establish the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority and address excessive and exploitative rents charged by landlords and housing agents.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Spaces for Change said the legislation would also tackle the activities of unlicensed housing agents and reduce the burden of excessive agency charges on tenants.
According to the organisation, agent commissions currently go as high as 20 per cent of annual rent, but the new legislation would cap the chargeable commission at 5 per cent.
S4C said: “Once signed into law by the Executive Governor of Abia State, the legislation will help sanitize the housing sector, curb the activities of unlicensed agents, and cap chargeable commission at 5%.”
The organisation also said the legislation would provide landlords with clearer procedures for addressing situations where tenants breach tenancy agreements or engage in conduct that undermines the orderly occupation of properties.
“This action by the Abia State Assembly is highly commendable,” S4C said, adding that it “demonstrates that with political will, the yearning and aspirations of the people can be reflected in governance.”
The organisation linked rising housing costs in major Nigerian cities to growing social and environmental challenges, noting that exorbitant rents have made decent and affordable housing increasingly out of reach for many urban residents.
“Across Nigeria’s major urban centres, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, exorbitant rent hikes have made decent and affordable housing increasingly out of reach,” it said.
According to S4C, the housing affordability crisis has contributed to the growth of slums, indiscriminate construction on waterways and the occupation of public infrastructure, including under-bridges, road medians and open spaces.
It said the situation often culminates in government-led demolitions and forced evictions, creating serious climate and social consequences.
S4C therefore urged Governor Alex Otti to assent to the bill without delay to enable the law to take effect across Abia State.
“We therefore urge the Governor of Abia State to grant assent to the law without delay so that it can take effect across the state,” the organisation said.
It also called on other state governments, particularly the Lagos State Government, to adopt similar measures and revive its stalled tenancy reform efforts.
The organisation said such reforms would enable more Nigerians to benefit from “fair, regulated, and secure housing.”
S4C said responsive legal frameworks capable of making housing more affordable for urban residents represented an important step towards achieving housing justice in Nigeria.
