Abia Assembly Opens Debate on Rent Regulation with Bill 2025 First Reading

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed for first reading the Abia State Landlords and Tenants Bill, 2025, aimed at reforming housing laws and addressing the recurring disputes between landlords, tenants, and property agents across the state.

The Bill, sponsored by the member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, seeks to regulate tenancy agreements, prevent unfair rent increases, and ensure fairness and accountability in the housing sector.

Presenting the Bill on the floor of the House, Rt. Hon. Obasi described housing as one of the most pressing challenges facing Abians, stressing that over 90 percent of residents are tenants, many of whom live below the global poverty line. He said the Bill will bring fairness, transparency, and modern regulation to housing relationships in the state.

“The challenges faced by tenants and landlords in Abia are worrisome,” Obasi said. “The existing laws create loopholes that allow abuse of tenancy agreements and unreasonable rent hikes. This Bill is designed to close those gaps and protect both tenants and property owners.”

The Abia State Landlords and Tenants Bill, 2025 introduces several critical reforms that will change how tenancy matters are handled in the state.

1. Agent Regulation: All property agents must register with the Ministry of Housing. Collecting rent from multiple tenants for the same property becomes a criminal offence. The maximum agent commission is fixed at 5 percent.
2. Rent Advance Limit: Landlords cannot demand, and tenants cannot pay, rent exceeding six months in advance. Violators will face fines or imprisonment.
3. Agreement and Professional Fees: The party that engages a professional for tenancy services will bear the cost of such services, eliminating exploitation through unnecessary charges.
4. Faster Eviction Process: The Bill streamlines property recovery for landlords dealing with non-compliant or defaulting tenants.
5. Court Requirements: Tenants must present proof of rent and utility payments when filing or appealing tenancy-related cases.
6. Protection Against Unfair Rent Hikes: Tenants can challenge unreasonable rent increases in court and cannot be evicted while such cases are pending.

Rt. Hon. Obasi explained that the Bill is not only for the protection of tenants but also for landlords who often face difficulties recovering their properties from bad tenants.

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who co-sponsored the Bill, commended Obasi for presenting a people-centered proposal.

He said the Bill will help modernize the state’s housing sector, reduce rent exploitation, and promote a fairer environment for both tenants and landlords.

“The issue of housing remains a serious concern in Abia,” the Speaker said. “This Bill is a step in the right direction. It aligns with our goal of improving living conditions and ensuring justice for all parties in tenancy matters.”

The House unanimously passed the Bill for first reading, with members describing it as a welcome development that reflects the Assembly’s commitment to addressing everyday challenges faced by Abians.

The Bill will proceed to the second reading, where its provisions will be debated in detail before committee review.