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ASABA – Relief may soon come the way of tenants across Delta State as the House of Assembly on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, took a decisive step toward regulating rent increases with the passage of the Delta State Landlord and Tenant Bill, 2025 (HB.36) through second reading.

Sponsored by the Leader of the House, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, Ph.D., the bill — hailed by lawmakers as the most popular and widely supported piece of legislation in the 8th Assembly — seeks to create a fair and transparent framework governing landlord-tenant relations in the state.

One of the bill’s most significant provisions stipulates that no landlord shall increase rent by more than 50 percent, and that such increases can only occur once every three years. Lawmakers described this measure as a major step toward protecting tenants from arbitrary and frequent rent hikes, especially in urban areas such as Asaba, Warri, Sapele, and Ughelli.

The proposed law also seeks to regulate agency fees, capping commissions at five percent (5%) of the total rent amount, and ensuring that agents operate strictly within the authority granted by property owners — a move intended to curb excesses and fraudulent practices within the sector.

During debate on the floor, virtually every member present spoke in favour of the bill, commending Hon. Nwaobi for responding to the growing outcry from constituents over rising rents and exploitative tenancy practices. Many legislators noted that their constituents had mandated them to support the bill, reflecting strong grassroots demand for housing reform.

Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Urban Renewal for further legislative scrutiny and stakeholder engagement. The committee is expected to report back later this month.

If passed into law, the Delta State Landlord and Tenant Bill, 2025 will mark a turning point in housing regulation, striking a balance between landlords’ rights and tenants’ protection while promoting fairness and stability in the state’s rental market.