Reps Move to Limit Advance Rent and Agency Fees in Abuja

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading that would bar landlords and estate agents in the Federal Capital Territory from demanding more than 12 months’ rent upfront. Sponsored by Paul Nnamchi of Enugu State and co-sponsored by Ahmed Doro of Katsina State, the bill covers residential and commercial properties and targets excessive agency fees and disguised renewal charges. It proposes a new authority to handle complaints and investigations, along with a digital register of Abuja housing agents. Violators could face fines of 500,000 to 5 million naira for individuals and 5 million to 20 million naira for companies.