The Lagos government has officially disowned a viral statement regarding an alleged amendment to the state’s tenancy law that recently circulated on social media platform X.

On Friday, reports claimed that the purported update would limit advance rent payments to three months for existing tenants and impose stricter regulations on how landlords can terminate tenancies and increase rents. The reports also suggested penalties of up to N100,000 or three months’ imprisonment for violations.

Barakat Bakare, the special adviser to the Lagos governor on housing, refuted these claims on Saturday, clarifying that the publication did not originate from the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). She affirmed that the existing 2015 tenancy law remains in effect.

“However, a bill for a new Tenancy Law is currently under consideration at the Lagos State House of Assembly and has yet to be passed into law,” Bakare stated. She noted that the ministry of housing is engaging with stakeholders to discuss the ongoing culture of monthly payments and to seek a clearer understanding of real estate transactions.

“The public will be duly informed when any new law is established,” she added.

The confusion surrounding the viral report arises amid a worsening housing crisis in Lagos, characterized by skyrocketing rents, exploitative landlord practices, forced evictions, and a significant housing deficit. This situation is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth in the state. The Lagos Assembly has previously urged the state government to implement measures to alleviate excessive rent increases, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in the housing sector.