The Press centre wing of the Delta State House of Assembly complex-Venue of a one-day public hearing on a bill for a law to repeal the rent control and recovery of residential premises law 1977 and enact a law to regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants in a tenancy and to provide for the procedure for the recovery of premises and for other related matters, recently, witnessed an unprecedented influx of visitors -Deltans who had come in their large numbers to be part of the lawmaking process in the State.
This was not the first time such event-public hearing was being held at the centre, but this particular event was no doubt, remarkable as the relatively large-capacity hall-the largest within the complex was full with a sea of heads.
The reason was obvious; everyone wants to be a part of a bill that affects them, Landlords and Tenants alike.
Earlier scheduled for 12:00 noon, the hall at 10:00 am, was already packed full as every available space was occupied.
Codenamed ‘The Peoples’ Bill”, the bill which has the member representing Aniocha North State Constituency and, leader of the State Assembly, Hon Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi as lead sponsor, is already gaining overwhelming applause from residents in the State, particularly tenants who, in their views, described the bill as a welcomed development. To them, the bill which analysts described as long overdue, couldn’t have come at any better time than now when rent crises is already at its zenith.
This, no doubting the facts, explains the reason for the unprecedented turnout of stakeholders at the event, particularly, members of “Tenants Association”. Surprisingly though, it was my first time to have heard about such Association, but for Landlord Association, yes. However, and, most surprisingly too, it (Landlord Association) was the only association within the Housing sector that was absent at the hearing.
Reasons for the unprecedented turnout of stakeholders was simple; , everyone appeared to be keenly interested in the outcome of the bill, ensuring that it sails through as, according to them, this is one of the burning issues that the Eight Assembly, as a matter of necessity, should legislate on given the adverse economic effect it is already generating in the lives of Deltans.
There is no doubting the facts that the increasing high cost of rent in the State is already having a significant impact on residents’ lives, particularly on their finances.
For instance, many of them are currently spending over 40% of their income on rent, leaving little for other essential expenses, savings, and investments as the cost of accommodation has surged by over 100% in major cities and communities in the State making it difficult for low-income households to afford decent housing.
Also, of grave concern is the increased poverty level occasioned by this trend as the rising housing costs, coupled with high food prices, have pushed more people below the poverty line.
The health Implications of this negative development is yet another cause of worry as the financial burden of high rent could lead to stress, anxiety, and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations like low-income individuals and renters.
Among Stakeholders that attended the public hearing organized by the State Assembly Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Girl Child Development/Physical Planning and Urban Renewal include officials from the state Ministries of Justice, Housing and Urban Renewal, Civil society Organisations, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Association of Organized Realtor, Estate Agents, Estate surveyors and Valuers, Tenants Association, among others.
In their separate presentations, the groups, haven presented memoranda, lauded the State House of Assembly for the initiative stating that it would go a long way in sanitizing the State Housing sector just as they showered encomium on members of the State House of Assembly for what they described as the state legislators’ poise in sanitizing the State Housing sector through the ongoing landlord and tenant bill.
At a public hearing on the bill for a law to repeal the rent control and recovery of residential premises law 1977 and establish the landlord and tenant law of Delta State 2025, stakeholders in the State Housing sector, bore their minds on the proposed bill, describing it as a welcomed development.
In their separate presentations, the groups, haven presented memoranda, lauded the State House of Assembly for the initiative stating that it would go a long way in sanitizing the State Housing sector.
Earlier in her address, the Chairman, House of Assembly committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Girl Child Development, Hon Bridget Anyafulu said that the public hearing was aimed at carrying the larger public along in the lawmaking process.
Flanked by other members of the committee including the leader of the House and, lead sponsor of the bill, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Anyafulu expressed delight over the large turn out of stakeholders at the event,
Speaking on the import of the bill, Anyafulu said that the bill, when passed into law, seeks to regulate and sanitize the state housing sector.
According to her, “The bill defines the role, obligations, and activities of all key actors and operators in the housing sector — the government, landlords, agents, and tenants.
“It covers a wide range of issues, notably the relationship of landlords and tenants. Contracts to create a tenancy. Rent: Payment for use and occupation, rent control etc.
“In a nutshell, the Bill seeks to provide an enabling environment for a Housing Sector that serves the needs of everyone — landlords, agents and tenants, laying the foundation for a stable, happy and peaceful society.
“The bill seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law 1977, a 48 years old law” Anyafulu said.
