By Peter Ogege
Respite will soon come the way of tenants and landlords in Delta State as the much-anticipated Landlord and Tenant Bill, popularly described as “The People’s Bill,” on Wednesday, scaled through second reading on the floor of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The bill, sponsored by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and thirteen others received overwhelming support from members during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Leading debate on the proposed legislation, Hon. Nwaobi, who represents Aniocha South Constituency, explained that the bill was borne out of widespread public complaints on tenancy issues across the state.
He said the objective of the proposed law is to create a fair and balanced relationship among landlords, tenants, and agents, while ensuring that the rights of all parties are protected.
Highlighting some provisions of the bill, the lawmaker noted that the bill addresses issues of rent extortion, arbitrary rent hikes, and agency exploitation.
He added that the proposed law prohibits landlords from increasing rent by more than 50 percent within a three-year period, establishes Rent Tribunals in all local government areas, and standardizes a 5 percent agency fee payable by tenants.
The debate attracted strong support from over twenty lawmakers who described the bill as timely, people-oriented, and reformative.
They emphasized that the existing Rent Control Law of 1977 no longer reflects the realities of the present economy and called for its repeal to pave way for a more progressive housing policy.
Members unanimously endorsed the bill through a voice vote, after which the Speaker, Rt Hon. Guwor referred it to a Joint Committee on Housing, Urban Renewal and Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Support Services for further legislative consideration.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Speaker also announced the constitution of a seven-man ad-hoc committee headed by Hon. Emeka Nwaobi to investigate the lingering crisis between the Governing Council and Management of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.
The committee’s formation followed a motion moved by Hon. Isaac Anwuzia, member representing Aniocha South Constituency, who drew the attention of the House to the deteriorating relationship between both parties and urged the Assembly’s intervention to restore harmony in the institution.
