THE House of Representatives has introduced the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Bill, 2026, seeking to address rising accommodation costs and strengthen protections for tenants in Abuja.
The proposed bill sponsored by the lawmakers representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency and Bindawa/Mani Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Paul Nnamchi and Ahmed Doro, respectively, on Thursday seeks to regulate rent payments, curb arbitrary rent increases and establish mechanisms through which tenants can seek redress when landlords violate prescribed rental rules.
The bill comes amid growing concerns over the cost of accommodation in the FCT, where tenants frequently face demands for one or two years’ rent upfront, placing considerable pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.
One of the proposed measures would prohibit landlords, property managers and estate agents from demanding more than 12 months’ rent as a condition for granting or renewing a tenancy.
The bill also seeks to prevent landlords and their agents from circumventing the proposed restriction through compulsory service charges, separate agreements, artificial tenancy renewals or other arrangements designed to compel tenants to pay more than the permitted advance rent.
However, tenants would be allowed to voluntarily pay for a period exceeding 12 months if they initiated the arrangement without coercion, threats, discrimination or retaliation, provided the agreement and payment were documented in writing.
The proposal also provides for written tenancy agreements before or at the commencement of a tenancy. Such agreements would specify the rent payable, payment schedule, duration of the tenancy, refundable deposits, additional charges and the respective rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.
The bill seeks to establish the Federal Capital Territory Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Authority to monitor compliance, investigate complaints and facilitate the resolution of landlord-tenant disputes.
The proposed authority would also have the power to order refunds of unlawful rental payments. Where a tenant has paid rent in violation of the proposed law, the authority could direct a refund within 30 days of serving the relevant order.
If enacted, the legislation would provide tenants with a more structured avenue to challenge unlawful rental demands instead of relying solely on negotiations with landlords or pursuing disputes through the courts.
