House advances FCT bill to limit compulsory advance rent

The House of Representatives has passed the FCT Advance Rent Regulation and Tenants Protection Bill for second reading, advancing a proposal to limit compulsory advance rent to 12 months in the Federal Capital Territory. The bill, sponsored by Paul Nnamchi and co-sponsored by Ahmed Yusuf Doro, is not law and must undergo further legislative consideration. The proposed restriction would cover residential and commercial tenancies. Landlords, estate agents and property managers would be barred from demanding or compelling payment for more than 12 months as a condition of granting, renewing or continuing a tenancy. Tenants could still choose to pay for a longer period voluntarily, if the arrangement is documented in writing. The bill would also establish an FCT Rent Regulation and Tenants Protection Authority to oversee rental transactions, investigate complaints and mediate disputes. It proposes fines of ₦500,000 to ₦5 million for individual offenders and ₦5 million to ₦20 million for corporate offenders. The proposal includes measures addressing unlawful eviction and intimidation, as well as regulation of agency fees and rental practices. Introducing the bill, Nnamchi said large...