The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenants Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at regulating relationships between landlords, tenants and estate agents while curbing exploitation in the state’s housing sector.
The bill, passed on August 4, 2026, is expected to improve fairness, affordability and order in housing across the state upon receiving the Governor’s assent.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, said the legislation reflects the Assembly’s commitment to promoting justice and protecting the rights of both property owners and tenants.
According to the Speaker, the law will provide a legal framework for resolving disputes, prevent arbitrary practices and ensure a more transparent real estate sector.
One of the major provisions of the bill empowers tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases in court. In determining whether an increase is excessive, the court will consider prevailing rents for similar properties, improvements made by the landlord and other relevant factors. Where an increase is found to be unreasonable, the court may order a fair and appropriate rent.
The bill also provides for the establishment of the Abia State Real Estate Regulatory Authority to oversee real estate transactions, regulate industry practices and recommend policies for the sector.
Under the proposed law, all estate agents will be required to register with the regulatory authority and obtain a Digital Professional Passport. Unregistered agents risk a fine of ₦50,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
The legislation further limits agency fees to a maximum of five per cent of annual rent. Agents who charge above the approved rate will face a ₦100,000 fine upon conviction and will be required to refund any excess amount collected.
To protect tenants from excessive financial demands, the bill prohibits landlords or agents from demanding more than six months’ rent from existing tenants and more than one year’s rent from new tenants. Violators are liable to a fine of ₦100,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
The bill also criminalises the forceful eviction of tenants, threats, intimidation or the wilful destruction of rented property. Offenders, upon conviction, may be fined up to ₦250,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.
If signed into law by Governor Alex Otti, the legislation is expected to introduce far-reaching reforms in Abia’s housing sector by strengthening tenant protections, regulating estate agency practices and promoting a more transparent landlord-tenant relationship.
