Estate Agents Support Lagos Tenancy Law

Estate agents under the aegis of the Association of Property Investment and Commissioned Agent of Nigeria, APICAN, recently organised a seminar where they declared its support for the new tenancy law in Lagos State.

The Representative of the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olarenwaju Akinsola, said it is not a rent control law but its meant to limit indiscriminate increase in rent, which is to curb anarchy and ensure fairness on both parties.

“Tenants are entitled to live peacefully in premises, they also have the right to privacy and the use of common areas for reasonable and lawful purposes,” he said.

He added that this law does not affect areas like Apapa, Victoria Island and Ikeja GRA since those living in those areas are financially capable to make their agreement.

In addition, the national deputy president of APICAN, Mr. Jide Odelola, expressed the association’s support for the new tenancy law aimed at making it a peaceful and flourishing mega city.

He explained that the objectives of APICAN are to educate, persuade and enlighten their members in order to contribute positively and effectively to the success of the law.

Odelola explained the effort of the Lagos State government to reduce accommodation problem by signing into law the people’s friendly bill in August 2011, to make life conducive for its citizens.

—Amdalat Akinsola & Tosin Areo