Kaduna Assembly moves to regulate residential rents as housing costs squeeze households

The Kaduna State House of Assembly is considering legislation to regulate residential rents across the state as rising accommodation costs put increasing pressure on household incomes and living standards, BusinessDay reported.

The bill, sponsored by the Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for residential rent charges while protecting tenants from excessive demands and preserving the legitimate interests of landlords and property owners.

The proposed legislation is currently before the relevant committee of the Assembly for detailed consideration, with a public hearing planned to give stakeholders a chance to shape its final provisions. Invited participants include tenants, landlords, property owners, estate professionals, property developers, civil society organisations and other groups with interests in the housing sector.

Lawmakers are expected to use the consultation process to examine the factors driving rental costs and determine how regulation can curb excessive or exploitative charges without discouraging investment in residential property, with rent representing a significant recurring cost for low-income earners, workers, students and young families.

The initiative is consistent with the people-centred policy direction of Governor Uba Sani's administration, which has placed emphasis on reducing economic hardship and improving the welfare of residents, the Assembly said. It also aims to provide a clearer framework for landlord-tenant relationships.

For the state's housing market, the balance between tenant protection and continued private-sector investment will be critical, and the Assembly said it would continue to engage stakeholders before determining the final scope and provisions of the proposed rent regulation law.