Reps bill would bar Abuja landlords from demanding more than a year’s rent upfront

Landlords and agents in Abuja would be barred from forcing tenants to pay more than 12 months’ rent in advance under a bill now before the House of Representatives, according to copies of the bill described by Premium Times and TheCable on Thursday, 22 October 2026.

The Federal Capital Territory Advance Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Bill, 2026 (HB.2839) passed first reading in the House on Thursday, Premium Times reported. It is sponsored by Paul Nnamchi, who represents Enugu East/Isi-Uzo, with Ahmed Doro, who represents Bindawa/Mani in Katsina State, as co-sponsor.

Why it matters

Finding one or two years’ rent in one go, on top of agency, agreement and caution fees, is one of the heaviest costs of renting in the capital. Premium Times reported in July 2025 that FCT residents were struggling with rising rents and sharp increases in those fees, with some moving to cheaper areas further from work.

The bill goes straight at that lump sum. It is only a proposal for now, and it has several stages to clear before it can become law.

What does the bill say?

• The cap: a landlord, estate agent, property manager or anyone acting for a landlord could not demand, receive or compel a tenant to pay more than 12 months’ rent in advance as a condition for granting, renewing or continuing a tenancy.
• Homes and businesses: it would cover both residential and commercial tenancies in the FCT, according to Premium Times.
• No loopholes: landlords could not get round the cap through intermediaries, compulsory service charges, artificial renewals, separate agreements or similar arrangements, TheCable reported.
• Paying more by choice: a tenant could still pay for more than a year, but only if the tenant starts the offer, without coercion, threats or retaliation, and the arrangement is put in writing.
• Written agreements: landlords and agents would have to give tenants a written agreement setting out the rent, payment schedule, length of the tenancy, refundable deposits and any other charges.

Who would enforce it, and what are the penalties?

The bill would set up a Federal Capital Territory Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Authority. According to the two reports, it could investigate complaints, monitor landlords and agents, issue compliance notices, help settle disputes, keep a public register of letting agents and order the refund of an unlawful payment within 30 days.

A person who knowingly demands or receives more than the permitted advance rent could be fined between ₦500,000 and ₦5 million, and a company between ₦5 million and ₦20 million. Ignoring a valid compliance notice could bring a fine of up to ₦1 million, and anyone unhappy with the authority’s decision could appeal to the FCT High Court within 30 days, TheCable reported.

The bill would also ban “self-help” evictions, such as threats, cutting off essential services, removing a tenant’s belongings or changing the locks without lawful authority. Landlords would keep the right to recover rent that is due and to take back their property through the courts, Premium Times reported.

How does it compare with Lagos?

Lagos already has a similar rule. Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2011, it is unlawful for a landlord or agent to demand or receive more than a year’s rent from a new tenant, or more than six months from a sitting monthly tenant. The penalty is a fine of ₦100,000 or three months in prison. The Lagos law also makes it an offence for the tenant to offer or pay more, and it does not apply in Apapa, Ikeja GRA, Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

The Abuja bill takes a different line. It would punish the landlord or agent rather than the tenant, and would allow a tenant to pay more if the tenant chooses to and the deal is documented.

Has this been tried before?

Yes. In 2022, a Senate bill sponsored by Smart Adeyemi, then senator for Kogi West, sought to cut advance rent in the FCT to three months, followed by monthly payments. It passed second reading in the Senate, Channels Television reported at the time, but it was not passed into law.

Last year, the National Assembly also proposed capping rent increases across the country at 20 per cent and urged the federal government to enforce it. TheCable said the resolution has not been verifiably implemented.

What happens next

• Second reading: the House will debate the bill’s general principles. If it passes, it goes to a committee, which can hold a public hearing for landlords, agents and tenants.
• Third reading, Senate and assent: the House must pass it at third reading, the Senate must agree to it and the President must sign it before it becomes law.
• Until then: the bill has no legal force, and current tenancy agreements in the FCT are unaffected.

Are you renting in Abuja? Tell GistMatrix how much rent you were asked to pay upfront, and what you think of the bill.