Reps pass FCT rent regulation bill amid disagreement

Lawmakers divided over proposed ban on compulsory multi-year rent payments
By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to regulate rental payments and curb exploitative practices by landlords and estate agents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amid disagreements among lawmakers over a proposed ban on compulsory multi-year rent payments.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, seeks to regulate advance rent payments, arbitrary rent increases and agency fees, as well as establish a unified digital register for housing agents.

It also provides safeguards for landlords and tenants, with penalties for violati...