Rent hikes: Kano Assembly calls for stronger tenant protection

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 amid growing concerns over the rising cost of accommodation and business premises.

The Speaker, Isma’il Falgore, made the call during plenary following a motion raised by the member representing Takai Constituency, Musa Kachako, who expressed concern over the increasing cost of renting houses and shops across the state.

Kachako said some landlords were raising rents without giving tenants adequate notice, leaving many residents and business owners struggling to meet the additional financial demands.

He cited instances where annual house rents had increased from ₦100,000 to between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000, while shop rents had reportedly doubled from ₦1 million to ₦2 million within a year.

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The lawmaker said the increases were placing additional pressure on traders, farmers and low-income earners who depend on rented accommodation and commercial premises for their homes and livelihoods.

While acknowledging landlords’ right to earn reasonable returns on their investments, Kachako stressed the need for regulations that would ensure fairness and prevent excessive or arbitrary rent increases.

He maintained that reviewing the existing law would help strengthen tenant protection and promote a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.

The call comes amid concerns over the rising cost of living, with increasing rents adding to the financial burden on households and small businesses across Kano State.

A review of the law could provide an opportunity to strengthen the framework governing rent adjustments and address concerns over excessive increases in residential and commercial property rents.