The Kano State House of Assembly has called for a review of the state’s rent control law to prevent arbitrary increases in residential and commercial rents and reduce the financial pressure on tenants.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Ismail Falgore, made the call during Monday’s plenary following a motion by Musa Kachako, who represents Takai Constituency, on the rising cost of renting houses and business premises across the state.
Kachako said some landlords were increasing rents without giving tenants adequate notice. He cited cases where annual house rents rose from N100,000 to between N200,000 and N300,000, while shop rents increased from N1 million to N2 million within a year.
According to the lawmaker, the trend has placed a heavy burden on traders, farmers and low-income earners who depend on rented homes and business premises for their daily lives and livelihoods.
While acknowledging landlords’ right to earn returns on their investments, Kachako stressed the need for regulations that would ensure rent adjustments were reasonable and protect both landlords and tenants from unfair treatment.
He called on the state government to strengthen the legal framework governing tenancy agreements and rent increases.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu-butu advocated clear guidelines for rent adjustments and proper screening of prospective tenants, citing security concerns associated with renting out properties without adequate checks.
He also said high commercial rents were making it difficult for small-scale traders to sustain their businesses. According to him, some traders could be forced to operate on the streets when they can no longer afford shop rents, potentially worsening congestion.
Butu-butu, however, noted that landlords also faced rising construction and maintenance expenses, including the cost of repairs and providing essential facilities. He maintained that such factors should not justify uncontrolled rent increases.
In his response, Falgore said any review of the law must take into account the interests of both property owners and tenants.
The Speaker called for consultations with the state’s rent control committee and other relevant stakeholders to identify areas of the existing law that require amendment.
He said the proposed engagement should lead to measures that promote fairness in tenancy arrangements and ease the financial burden on residents amid rising rental costs.
