Kano Assembly seeks rent law review as house, shop rents soar

The Kano State House of Assembly has called for a review of the state’s rent control law to address arbitrary increases in residential and commercial rents across the state.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Ismail Falgore, made the call during plenary following a motion moved by the member representing Takai Constituency, Musa Kachako, who raised concerns over the rising cost of renting houses and shops.

According to him, reviewing the existing rent control law would help protect tenants from arbitrary increases and promote a balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.

The call comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of accommodation and commercial spaces in Kano State, which has added to the financial burden on residents and small-scale business operators.

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Kachako expressed concern over the growing practice of landlords increasing rents without giving tenants adequate notice, saying the trend was putting additional financial pressure on residents and business owners.

He cited instances where annual house rents had increased from N100,000 to between N200,000 and N300,000, while shop rents had risen from N1 million to N2 million within a year.

The lawmaker said the development was particularly affecting traders, farmers and low-income earners who depend on rented accommodation and business premises for their livelihoods.

He acknowledged the right of landlords to earn reasonable returns on their investments but stressed the need for effective regulations to ensure fairness in rent adjustments.

The proposed review is expected to strengthen the legal framework governing rent regulation in the state and address complaints about excessive increases in property rents.

However, the Assembly’s call for a review does not in itself amount to an amendment of the existing law, as further legislative action would be required to introduce any changes.