Delta Assembly Advances New Landlord–Tenant Bill To Reform Housing Laws
Committee Submits Report on Proposed Housing Reform Bill
THE Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday received the report of its Joint Committee reviewing the proposed Landlord and Tenant Bill, a legislation aimed at reforming tenancy relations and modernising housing regulations across the state.
The report was presented during plenary by the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Bridget Anyafulu, following weeks of legislative examination, consultations, and stakeholder engagement.
The bill, currently before lawmakers, seeks to repeal the existing Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 1977, which has governed landlord–tenant relations in the state for nearly five decades.
Lawmakers say the proposed legislation is designed to reflect present-day realities in the housing sector while ensuring fairness for both landlords and tenants.
Stakeholder Consultations and Public Hearing
Presenting the committee’s findings, Anyafulu said the panel undertook a thorough review of the bill after it was referred to the committee by the House.
According to her, the committee held a public hearing that attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including landlords, tenants, legal experts, housing professionals and civil society organisations.
She explained that these stakeholders provided submissions and recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposed legislation.
“The committee carried out a comprehensive review of the proposed legislation,” Anyafulu said, adding that the insights from the public hearing helped shape the committee’s report and recommendations.
She noted that the review process was designed to ensure that the law, when passed, would balance the interests of property owners with the rights of tenants.
Legislative Procedure and Next Steps
The House formally received the committee’s report following a motion moved by the House Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the member representing Bomadi Constituency, Oboro Preyor.
After receiving the report, the Speaker of the Assembly, Dennis Guwor, announced that further legislative consideration of the bill would be postponed until 7 April.
According to Guwor, the bill will be examined in detail at the Committee of the Whole House, where lawmakers will conduct a clause-by-clause review of the proposed provisions.
This stage of the legislative process allows members of the Assembly to scrutinise each section of the bill and propose amendments where necessary.
Addressing Housing Challenges
If eventually passed into law, the proposed Landlord and Tenant Bill is expected to introduce significant reforms in the housing sector across Delta State.
One of its key objectives is to protect tenants from exploitation, particularly in relation to rent increases, unfair eviction practices and poorly regulated rental agreements.
At the same time, the bill aims to ensure that landlords receive fair returns on their property investments while maintaining clear legal frameworks for tenancy arrangements.
Housing experts say the legislation could help address some of the long-standing challenges affecting the rental housing market in the state.
In recent years, residents in several urban centres have complained about rising rents, arbitrary eviction notices and the absence of clear guidelines governing landlord–tenant relationships.
A Move Toward Modern Housing Regulation
The proposed bill also seeks to introduce clearer procedures for dispute resolution between landlords and tenants.
By establishing a structured framework for rental agreements and conflict management, lawmakers believe the legislation could help reduce litigation and improve relations between property owners and tenants.
Observers say replacing the 1977 rent law represents a significant step toward modernising housing governance in Delta State.
Given the rapid urbanisation occurring in cities across the state, policymakers argue that updated legal frameworks are necessary to ensure that housing regulations keep pace with economic and demographic changes.
For many residents, the outcome of the bill’s legislative journey will determine how future tenancy relationships are structured and regulated.
With lawmakers set to begin detailed deliberations in April, stakeholders across the housing sector are expected to closely monitor the progress of the bill and its potential impact on the state’s rental market.
