The Kano State House of Assembly has called for a review of the state’s rent control law following sharp increases in residential and commercial rents, with lawmakers warning that the rising costs are putting pressure on households, traders and small business owners.
The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, made the call during plenary on Tuesday after a motion by Musa Kachako, the member representing Takai Constituency, who raised concerns over rising rents and landlords increasing charges without adequate notice to tenants.
Kachako cited examples of annual house rents rising from N100,000 to between N200,000 and N300,000, while shop rents had increased from N1 million to N2 million within a year.
He said the increases were making it increasingly difficult for residents and business owners to manage their finances, particularly low-income earners, traders and farmers who depend on rented accommodation and commercial premises.
“ When rents rise sharply within a short period, tenants are left struggling to meet their obligations. There is a need for a legal framework that promotes reasonable increases and protects residents from arbitrary decisions,” the lawmaker said.
Kachako acknowledged that landlords were entitled to reasonable returns on their property investments but argued that rent adjustments should be subject to regulations that protect both property owners and tenants.
“We recognise that landlords have invested their resources and deserve reasonable returns, but tenants also deserve fairness, adequate notice and protection against excessive increases,” he added.
The lawmaker said a review of the existing legislation could establish clearer guidelines for rent adjustments and promote a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.
