The Ekiti State Government has issued a strong warning to landlords and estate agents against the imposition of “outrageous and unjustifiable” house rents, particularly in communities hosting tertiary institutions, describing the trend as a growing burden on tenants and residents.
The warning was issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Mortgage Development, Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, on Friday during a one-day sensitisation programme held in Iyin Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The programme, themed “Connecting Estate Agents and Making Accommodation Accessible to All” brought together community leaders, landlords, estate agents, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Oloniyo stated that the current spate of high rents is unacceptable to the state government and has become a major source of hardship for tenants, especially students and staff of tertiary institutions.
He disclosed that the government is considering measures to regulate rents and establish a Rent Tribunal to ensure sanity, transparency, and fairness in the housing sector.
“We are not unmindful of the rising cost of building materials and the need for investors to get returns. However, government will not tolerate excesses, particularly the arbitrary charges by some agents and landlords,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that tenants get value for their money. This administration is not against home ownership or legitimate profit. We are against exploitation.”
Dr. Oloniyo urged landlords and estate agents to act responsibly and partner with government by reviewing rent levels, improving housing standards, and prioritising residents’ welfare in order to maintain a decent and livable society.
The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, represented by the Odofiyin of Iyin, Chief Ayodeji Esan, assured the government of the community’s cooperation and called for clear operational guidelines. He added that the town would interface with landlords and agents to present a united front on the issue.
The Chairman, Real Estate Agents Association in Ekiti State, Mr. Oluwasanmi Adeeko, also pledged the association’s support. He noted that the association does not support arbitrary rent increments and is ready to work with government to make life more comfortable for Ekiti residents.
“As an association, we are ready to cooperate with the state government. Our advice to members is to align with government’s vision of making life comfortable for residents,” Adeeko said.
Participants at the meeting called for the formation of a task force, a rent regulation document, and the accreditation of estate agents. They also urged the government to build student residential hostels across campuses to ease accommodation pressure.
Following similar complaints of rent hikes in Ado Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti, Iyin Ekiti, Ilawe Ekiti, Oye Ekiti, and Ikole Ekiti, the state government said it has commenced a series of stakeholders’ engagements in host communities to safeguard the interests of students, staff, and other residents.
