Tenants in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have raised serious concerns over what they describe as arbitrary and exploitative rent increases by landlords, urging the state government to urgently intervene and implement rent control measures.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, a cross-section of residents lamented the rising cost of housing, which they say is becoming unbearable, especially amid the prevailing harsh economic conditions.
One tenant, Mr. Emmanuel Ayanda, who resides in Osogbo, narrated his experience, saying his landlord recently increased the rent on his three-bedroom apartment from N180,000 to N400,000 annually, without any improvement to the property.
“A few months before the expiration of my rent, the landlord—through his lawyer—sent me a letter notifying me of the new rent. The building is very old, without tiles, with wooden doors, and no significant upgrades. I cannot afford the new rate, so I have no choice but to move out,” he said.
Ayanda called on the state government to rescue tenants by establishing a rent control task force that would monitor and regulate property rental prices across the state.
Similarly, Miss Feyisayo Akomolafe, who resides in the Ogoluwa area of Osogbo, said her rent for a two-bedroom apartment was increased from N450,000 to N600,000 annually.
“This is a civil service state, not an industrialised one. I wonder where landlords expect civil servants—many of whom are still struggling financially—to get such money. If the trend continues, many tenants may soon become homeless,” she warned.
In the Ofatedo area of Osogbo, Mr. Jeremiah Obeh said he currently pays N1.1 million for a three-bedroom apartment, up from N900,000, following a recent increment by his landlord.
“I appeal to the state government to enact laws that would regulate the activities of landlords and their agents to protect tenants from unfair treatment,” he said.
Another resident, Miss Glory Adeola, also decried the rising cost of accommodation. She revealed that the rent for her one-room self-contained apartment recently jumped from N250,000 to N320,000.
“These landlords are increasing rent without offering any tangible justification. It's becoming too much,” she lamented.
Reacting to the tenants’ complaints, some landlords attributed the rent hikes to the general economic hardship and inflation affecting the country.
Mr. Peter Osinubi, a landlord in Osogbo, said the rising cost of goods and services has made it difficult for property owners to maintain buildings without increasing rents.
“I believe the government is in the best position to provide a lasting solution to the economic situation,” he said.
Another landlord, Mr. Oladele Bode, expressed a similar view, noting that the economic crisis was to blame for the increase in rental prices.
However, Mr. Abiodun Olowoporoku, Chairman of the Association of Real Estate Managers in Osun State, pointed fingers at certain landlords, describing their actions as driven by greed.
“We have made several efforts to persuade landlords to refrain from outrageous rent hikes, but many ignore the advice. Some even abandon estate agents who do not support their demands and seek out others willing to comply,” he explained.
Olowoporoku confirmed that inflation is often cited as the reason for increased rents but noted that the state government is currently working on a bill to regulate rent practices.
“Once the bill is signed into law, it will serve to checkmate the activities of landlords who take advantage of tenants,” he added.
The Osun State House of Assembly has already taken steps to address the issue. Hon. Kofoworola Adewunmi, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, disclosed that the Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Authority Bill 2024 has been passed and is awaiting the governor’s assent.
According to him, the bill aims to ensure tenants are not exploited by landlords and estate agents. It also seeks to regulate rent-related charges and enforce mandatory registration for all estate agents operating in the state.
“I sponsored the bill, and it has passed through the third reading. It has been sent to the governor for his assent. Once it becomes law, it will prevent unregistered agents from operating and help control arbitrary charges imposed on tenants,” Adewunmi said.
As the state awaits the governor’s assent to the new legislation, many tenants continue to hope for relief from what they describe as worsening housing conditions in Osun.
– NAN
