A Human Rights Activist and Legal Research Expert, John Ihua, has proposed a legislative bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly for a law to control excessive house rent and establish a body known as the Rent Control Authority.
According to Ihua, the Bill seeks to regulate excessive rent increases in Rivers State, protect tenants from exploitation, establish a structural dispute resolution mechanism, and address other related matters.
He maintained that he was motivated by the growing hardship faced by residents of the state due to the alarming and unregulated increase in house rents across the state, and possibly means of regulating the arbitrary and excessive increase in rents, providing a legal framework for fair and reasonable rent review.
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Ihua explained that an excessive rent increment exceeding fifteen to twenty percent of the existing annual rent within 12 months, except as otherwise approved under the Law. While advocating that the minimum imposed rent without justifiable reasons, such as substantial renovation, structural improvement, or significant economic drainage verified by the rent control authority, should not be recognized.
Ihua advocated that rent increments must have a duration of three years and above before any further increment, complained that indiscriminate increase of rent has placed an unbearable burden on low and middle-income earners, thereby worsening the already challenging economic realities faced by citizens.
He urged the lawmakers to give the proposed bill the urgent legislative attention it deserves in the interest of justice, equity, and social welfare.
The proposed Bill is also expected to prevent arbitrary and excessive increases in house rent, protect tenants from exploitation and unlawful eviction, promote fairness and predictability in rental transactions, as well as establish a transparent dispute resolution framework.
