The Kano State House of Assembly has called for a review of the state’s rent control law following sharp increases in residential and commercial rents, which lawmakers say are putting additional pressure on residents and small business owners.
The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, made the call during plenary on Tuesday after the member representing Takai Constituency, Musa Kachako, moved a motion raising concerns over rising accommodation costs across the state.
Kachako said annual house rents had increased from ₦100,000 to between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000, while shop rents had risen from ₦1 million to ₦2 million within a year.
He also expressed concern over landlords’ practice of increasing rents without giving tenants adequate notice, saying the trend was making it difficult for residents and business owners to plan their finances.
“When rents rise sharply within a short period, tenants are left struggling to meet their obligations. There is a need for a legal framework that promotes reasonable increases and protects residents from arbitrary decisions,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the increases were placing additional financial pressure on traders, farmers and low-income earners who depend on rented homes and business premises for their livelihoods.
While acknowledging landlords’ right to earn reasonable returns on their investments, Kachako said tenants also deserved fairness, adequate notice and protection against excessive rent increases.
“We recognise that landlords have invested their resources and deserve reasonable returns, but tenants also deserve fairness, adequate notice and protection against excessive increases,” he added.
He said reviewing the existing law would establish clearer guidelines for rent adjustments and promote a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.
Kachako urged the state to ensure that the review strikes a fair balance between property owners’ interests and tenants’ welfare, while preventing rent increases from becoming unbearable for ordinary residents.
The proposed review is expected to provide an opportunity for the state to strengthen its legal framework for regulating residential and commercial rents amid growing concerns over the rising cost of accommodation and business premises.
