The Lagos State Government has proposed the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 (Draft), which criminalises harassment and illegal evictions by landlords. The bill makes it an offence for landlords to eject tenants without a valid court order or use self-help measures such as cutting utilities, dismantling parts of a building, or using force.

Section 10 of the bill states that landlords must not disturb a tenant's quiet and peaceable enjoyment of the premises, including interfering with electricity, water supply, or structural elements of the property.

Section 43 adds that anyone who forcibly ejects a tenant, threatens, molests, or wilfully damages property with the intent to evict without a court order commits an offence and is liable to a minimum fine of N1,000,000 or up to six months' imprisonment, or both.

Section 33 allows courts to assess whether rent increases are justified by considering rent levels in similar areas, evidence from both parties, and any special circumstances relating to the property. Landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants while disputes are ongoing.

Sections 20-24 streamline dispute resolution by filing cases via originating summons, scheduling hearings within 14 days, and limiting mediation to 30 days. Section 12 requires landlords to provide tenants with accounts of service charges and security deposits every six months.
The bill also affirms tenants' rights to privacy, peaceful enjoyment, access to common areas, and compensation for approved improvements.

The law comes in response to frequent reports of landlords locking out tenants, breaking into apartments, or using thugs to enforce evictions, reinforcing Lagos State's commitment to protecting tenants' rights.