File photo: Kano State House of Assembly
The Kano State House of Assembly has called for a review of the state’s rent control law amid concerns over sharp increases in house and shop rents, which lawmakers say are putting additional financial pressure on residents and small business owners.
The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, made the call on Tuesday during plenary following a motion moved by the member representing Takai Constituency, Musa Kachako, who raised concerns about the rising cost of renting residential and commercial properties across the state.
Kachako expressed concern over the practice of landlords increasing rents without giving tenants adequate notice.
He said the situation was making it increasingly difficult for many residents and business owners to plan their finances.
“Annual house rents have risen from N100,000 to between N200,000 and N300,000, while shop rents have increased from N1m to N2m within a year,” he cited as examples.
The lawmaker said the increases were placing additional pressure on traders, farmers and low-income earners who depend on rented accommodation and business premises for their livelihoods.
“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 landlords’ right to earn reasonable returns on their investments but stressed that rent adjustments should be guided by regulations that protect both parties.
“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.
He maintained that reviewing the existing law would help establish clearer rules for rent adjustments and promote a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.
The call comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of accommodation and commercial spaces in Kano, with higher rents adding to the financial challenges faced by households and small businesses.
“A review of the rent control law should provide a fair balance between the interests of property owners and tenants while ensuring that rent increases do not become an unbearable burden on ordinary residents,” Kachako said.
The proposed review is expected to provide an opportunity for the state to strengthen its legal framework for rent regulation and address concerns over excessive increases in residential and commercial property rents.