Abia Assembly Passes Tenancy Regulatory Law to Protect Landlords, Tenants

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority Law, a landmark legislation aimed at regulating landlord-tenant relationships and addressing the rising cost of house rent across the state.

The bill, H.A.B. 34, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Augustine Okezie, and Mandela Obasi, was passed during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa.

The new law establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority, which is expected to protect tenants from excessive rent charges and exploitative practices by landlords and house agents. It also safeguards the rights of landlords in cases where tenants violate tenancy agreements or engage in unlawful conduct.

The legislation follows widespread complaints from residents of Umuahia and Aba over soaring residential and commercial rents, with many accusing house agents of colluding with landlords to impose arbitrary rent increases.

In addition to the tenancy law, the Assembly also passed two other bills into law. One seeks to strengthen the state's criminal justice administration by ensuring the speedy dispensation of criminal cases while guaranteeing fair hearing for all parties.

Lawmakers also approved a Restorative Justice Law, which requires offenders to take responsibility for the harm caused to victims, promoting accountability and justice within the state.

The passage of the three laws is expected to improve housing regulation, enhance access to justice, and strengthen the legal framework for resolving disputes in Abia State.