By Chiagoziem Abosi
Renting a house in Lagos is not for the weak. Many tenants are battling greedy landlords, sudden rent hikes, illegal evictions, and terrible living conditions—but who will fight for them?
For too long, tenants have suffered in silence. But today, let’s talk.
“He Increased My Rent from ₦700K to ₦1.3M Overnight”
“I’ve lived in this apartment in Ikeja for three years,” says David, a civil servant. “I always pay my rent on time. One morning, my landlord sent a message: ‘New rent is ₦1.3M. Pay or move out.’ No discussion, nothing. How can I afford that in this economy?”
Many landlords take advantage of the housing crisis, knowing tenants have nowhere else to go. With no proper rent control in place, they raise prices at will.
Evicted Without Warning
In Surulere, Bukola, a single mother, recalls her nightmare:
“I came home from work and met my things outside. My landlord had changed the locks because I owed two months’ rent. I begged him, but he said, ‘No money, no house.’ I had to sleep in a friend’s shop for weeks.”
Lagos law says landlords must give at least six months’ notice before eviction, but many ignore this.
“We Live Like This Because We Have No Choice”
Some landlords refuse to fix anything, even after collecting maintenance fees. In Agege, Musa complains:
“Our compound floods whenever it rains. The soakaway smells. We’ve reported it, but the landlord says, ‘If you don’t like it, leave.’ But where will I go?”
What Can You Do?
✅ Know Your Rights – Always sign a tenancy agreement before paying rent.
✅ Demand Receipts – Always collect receipts for rent payments.
✅ Report Abuses – The Lagos State Rent Tribunal can help tenants fight illegal evictions.
Your Voice Matters!
Are you a tenant in Lagos facing unfair treatment? Share your story in the comment section. Let’s expose bad landlords and fight for fair housing!
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