Inside Delta
Delta's Landlord and Tenant Bill advances amid calls for urgent housing reform
Written By: Abdullahi Izuagbe
10 Oct 2025 12:39 PM
Asaba, Delta – In a significant legislative move, the Delta State House of Assembly has passed the second reading of the highly anticipated Landlord and Tenant Bill, marking a critical step toward addressing the state’s escalating rental crisis.
The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, aims to regulate tenancy practices, protect both landlords and tenants, and curb the rampant rise in rent costs that have plagued residents for years.
The proposed legislation introduces groundbreaking measures, including caps on rent increases, the establishment of rent tribunals across all local government areas, and a framework to ensure fairness in rent administration.
During plenary debates overseen by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the bill received unanimous support, with the Speaker referring it to the joint committees on Housing, Urban Renewal, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Support Services for further legislative work.
This development follows growing public outcry over exploitative rental practices, with many tenants forced to pay exorbitant annual rents in a market skewed heavily in favor of landlords.
The bill’s progress is seen as a beacon of hope for Delta State residents, particularly low- and middle-income families struggling under the weight of rising housing costs. Key provisions include limiting rent increases to no more than 50 percent within three years, requiring landlords to allocate five percent of rent to local government funds, and establishing tribunals to mediate disputes.
Additionally, the Speaker announced the constitution of a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate a reported crisis between the House and the Governor’s Council, signaling a broader push for transparency in governance.
This legislative effort underscores Governor’s administration’s commitment to addressing systemic housing challenges, a stark contrast to the inertia seen in previous years.
If passed into law, the Delta Landlord and Tenant Bill could serve as a model for other Nigerian states grappling with similar issues, offering a much-needed lifeline to tenants while balancing the interests of property owners.
The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, aims to regulate tenancy practices, protect both landlords and tenants, and curb the rampant rise in rent costs that have plagued residents for years.
The proposed legislation introduces groundbreaking measures, including caps on rent increases, the establishment of rent tribunals across all local government areas, and a framework to ensure fairness in rent administration.
During plenary debates overseen by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the bill received unanimous support, with the Speaker referring it to the joint committees on Housing, Urban Renewal, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Support Services for further legislative work.
This development follows growing public outcry over exploitative rental practices, with many tenants forced to pay exorbitant annual rents in a market skewed heavily in favor of landlords.
The bill’s progress is seen as a beacon of hope for Delta State residents, particularly low- and middle-income families struggling under the weight of rising housing costs. Key provisions include limiting rent increases to no more than 50 percent within three years, requiring landlords to allocate five percent of rent to local government funds, and establishing tribunals to mediate disputes.
Additionally, the Speaker announced the constitution of a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate a reported crisis between the House and the Governor’s Council, signaling a broader push for transparency in governance.
This legislative effort underscores Governor’s administration’s commitment to addressing systemic housing challenges, a stark contrast to the inertia seen in previous years.
If passed into law, the Delta Landlord and Tenant Bill could serve as a model for other Nigerian states grappling with similar issues, offering a much-needed lifeline to tenants while balancing the interests of property owners.
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