Bill to cap FCT rent at 12 months passes second reading
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Punch Newspaper
Reported by Dirisu Yakubu
Wed, 4 Nov 2026, 15:02
Photo courtesy of Punch Newspaper · Verified via News Stand NG
Source Attribution: Punch Newspaper
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The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to regulate rental payments in the Federal Capital Territory, prohibit compulsory multi-year rent demands and curb exploitative practices by landlords and estate agents. What the bill seeks to change The proposed bill seeks to prohibit landlords, estate agents and property managers in the Federal Capital Territory from demanding more than 12 months’ rent in advance as a condition for securing or renewing a tenancy.
Context & Background
✦The proposed legislation, sponsored by the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Paul Nnamchi, seeks to limit advance rent demands to 12 months, regulate agency fees, protect tenants against unlawful eviction and establish a regulatory authority to oversee rental transactions in the FCT.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Wednesday:However, the proposal generated divergent views during Wednesday’s plenary, with some lawmakers questioning the constitutionality of imposing restrictions on landlords’ property rights and freedom of trade, while others argued that regulation was necessary to protect tenants from exploitation.Sunday:Sunday Umeha (APC, Enugu) disagreed with the constitutional objections, insisting that the bill did not conflict with the Constitution and should be allowed to proceed to the next legislative stage, where its provisions could be scrutinised and amended.today:That you built a house at N1m today does not mean you must rent it out at N100m today,” he added.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to regulate rental payments in the Federal Capital Territory, prohibit compulsory multi-year rent demands and curb exploitative practices by landlords and estate agents.
✦What the bill seeks to change The proposed bill seeks to prohibit landlords, estate agents and property managers in the Federal Capital Territory from demanding more than 12 months’ rent in advance as a condition for securing or renewing a tenancy.
✦The proposed legislation, sponsored by the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Paul Nnamchi, seeks to limit advance rent demands to 12 months, regulate agency fees, protect tenants against unlawful eviction and establish a regulatory authority to oversee rental transactions in the FCT.
Key Facts:Wednesday: However, the proposal generated divergent views during Wednesday’s plenary, with some lawmakers questioning the constitutionality of imposing restrictions on landlords’ property rights and freedom of trade, while others argued that regulation was necessary to protect tenants from exploitation.Sunday: Sunday Umeha (APC, Enugu) disagreed with the constitutional objections, insisting that the bill did not conflict with the Constitution and should be allowed to proceed to the next legislative stage, where its provisions could be scrutinised and amended.today: That you built a house at N1m today does not mean you must rent it out at N100m today,” he added.
Editorial Excerpt
A bill seeking to regulate rent, prohibit compulsory multi-year demands, and cap advance payments at 12 months in the FCT has passed second reading.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Kogi State?
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to regulate rental payments in the Federal Capital Territory, prohibit compulsory multi-year rent demands and curb exploitative practices by landlords and estate agents.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
What the bill seeks to change The proposed bill seeks to prohibit landlords, estate agents and property managers in the Federal Capital Territory from demanding more than 12 months’ rent in advance as a condition for securing or renewing a tenancy.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
However, the proposal generated divergent views during Wednesday’s plenary, with some lawmakers questioning the constitutionality of imposing restrictions on landlords’ property rights and freedom of trade, while others argued that regulation was necessary to protect tenants from exploitation.
