The Abia State House of Assembly has initiated legislative action aimed at addressing the growing complaints of exploitation by landlords and house agents across the state.
In a move designed to promote fairness, transparency and accountability in the housing sector, the House Committee on Lands and Housing held a public hearing to consider two key bills seeking to reform real estate transactions and landlord tenant relations in Abia State.
The bills deliberated upon include H.A.B. 34, a bill for a law to regulate real estate transactions in Abia State, and H.A.B. 36, a bill seeking to regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants as well as other related matters.
The hearing was presided over by the Chairman of the Committee on Lands and Housing, Hon. Mandela Obasi, and attended by members of the committee including the Deputy Speaker, Rt.Hon. Austin Mmeregini; the House Leader, Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu; the Chief Whip, Hon. Emeka Tommy Jacob-obioma; and Hon. Anthony Chinasa.
Also present were the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and a representative from the Office of the Attorney-General, who provided legal and administrative perspectives on the proposed legislation.
The proposed laws are designed to tackle several challenges currently affecting the housing and real estate sector in the state.
Among their key objectives are the regulation of real estate agents operating in Abia, curbing fraudulent practices by some intermediaries, and addressing the issue of arbitrary and excessive agency fees charged to prospective tenants.
The bills also seek to prevent agents from influencing landlords to increase rent without justification, while protecting tenants and other residents from unfair and exploitative housing practices.
The public hearing attracted a wide range of stakeholders from across the housing sector, including landlords, tenants, real estate practitioners and representatives of student unions.
Participants were given the opportunity to present their views, make oral submissions and provide written memoranda containing recommendations and observations on the proposed laws.
During the session, the Commissioner for Housing disclosed that the state government is working on plans to construct affordable housing estates for civil servants across the state as part of efforts to address housing deficits and improve the welfare of public servants.
Submissions from stakeholders, the committee noted, will be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the legislative process before the bills proceed to the next stage of consideration.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to advancing progressive legislation that will strengthen transparency in real estate transactions and establish a more structured and equitable relationship between landlords and tenants in Abia State.
Through the initiative, the Abia Assembly said it remains determined to protect residents from exploitation and ensure a fairer and more sustainable housing system for the people of the state.
