The Enugu State Government has moved to strengthen regulation of the rental housing market, with Governor Peter Mbah sending an executive bill to the State House of Assembly seeking reforms to the state’s Landlord and Tenant Law.
The proposed legislation is expected to introduce greater transparency in tenancy transactions, regulate agency and legal fees, establish a framework for property agents and provide clearer procedures for handling and refunding caution fees.
The bill also seeks to address arbitrary rent increases and reduce disputes between landlords and tenants over property damage through joint inventories and professional valuations where necessary.
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, disclosed the development in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page and obtained by DAILY GAZETTE.
According to Ugwu, the executive bill seeks to amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, Cap. 101, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004.
The move comes as the Assembly is already considering a similar bill sponsored by the member representing Nkanu East State Constituency, Anthony Okey Mbah.
The Speaker said the lawmaker-sponsored bill had passed first and second readings, while a public hearing had also been conducted.
He expressed optimism that the legislative process would produce a legal framework that makes tenancy-related charges more transparent and predictable while addressing recurring challenges in landlord-tenant relationships.
The proposed reforms are also expected to establish clearer standards for property agents and provide a more structured approach to disputes involving caution fees, refunds and property damage.
Ugwu said the initiative was consistent with the state government’s ambition to create a favourable environment for investment and improve Enugu’s attractiveness as a destination for business, tourism and residential living.
“According to the Governor’s vision, indeed we can make Enugu the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism and living,” he stated.
