09/10/2025
RT. Hon Mandela Obasi's ABIA STATE LANDLORDS AND TENANTS BILL, 2025 Past First Reading.
The member representing Ohafia North States Constituency, RT Hon Mandela Obasi on Tuesday,7th October,2025 at the Floor of the House of Assembly moved a Bill for a law to make provision for the Regulations of Tenancy and Landlords Relationship and other matters Incidental thereto otherwise known as the The Abia State Landlords and Tenants Bill, 2025.
The Merits of the Bill.
The Bill which is geared towards ameliorating the suffering of Abians as Housing is the major challenge of many. The merits as presented ;
1) The challenges of Abia Tenants and landlords is worrisome as the existing Laws creates lacuna for abuse of Tenancy agreements and unreasonable increment of rents which has put many into undue suffering
2) Over 90% of Abians are Tenants and many living under global poverty level. House Rents is a big challenge .This Bill is a big step toward fairness, transparency, and modern housing regulation in Abia
3) The Abia State Landlords and Tenants Bill 2025 is here to reform housing laws and protect both Tenants and landlords.
4) Unfair Rent increment has become a pressing challenge where landlords increase rent at unreasonable rates. The Bill seeks to also control this activity.
5)The Bill seeks to protect property owners from Bad Tenants and help in the recovery of properties.
6) The Bills also seeks to regulate the activities of House and properties Agents
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major changes from existing laws.
🔹 Agent Regulation – All agents must register with the Ministry of Housing Abia State.Collecting rents from multiple Tenants for one property is now a criminal offence and punishable. The maximum agent fee: 5%.
🔹 Rent Advance –It shall be unlawful for Landlords to demand Rent in excess of six(6) months or Tenants to pay rents in excess of six(6). Violations attract fines or jail time