In response to the increasing issues of rent evasion and property damage, landlords and tenants in Abeokuta are urging the government to establish a mandatory registry for tenancy defaulters. This initiative aims to enhance the enforcement of tenancy laws and improve accountability within the housing sector.
Mr. Jacob Famodimu, a lawyer and chairman of Fountain Hillip Associates and Co., emphasized that such a registry would enable the government to formulate effective policies addressing the challenges faced in the housing market. He noted that many tenants avoid reporting defaulters due to fear of losing their accommodation, which hampers the identification of those who evade their rental obligations.
Famodimu expressed concern over the alarming rate at which house rents are increasing, often in geometric progression, largely due to the shortage of available accommodations. He pointed out that the persistent demand for housing often leads landlords to issue notices to quit, citing personal use as a reason for recovering premises, even if this justification is not genuine.
Furthermore, he criticized existing tenancy laws in many states that restrict landlords from collecting two years’ rent in advance for periodic tenancies, which complicates the financial dynamics between landlords and tenants. Famodimu concluded that the relationship between landlords and tenants has deteriorated, influenced by current economic realities and other contributing factors.
This call for a registry reflects a growing recognition of the need for more robust mechanisms to manage tenancy issues and promote a more harmonious landlord-tenant relationship in Nigeria.