The Ekiti State Government has begun moves to check rising house rents, particularly in communities with tertiary institutions, where students and other residents have reportedly been affected by steep accommodation costs.
The government also disclosed plans to introduce measures that would regulate the activities of landlords and estate agents, including the possible establishment of a rent tribunal.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Mortgage Development, Dr Gboyega Oloniyo, disclosed this in Iyin Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on Friday.
The programme, organised by the state government, was themed, “Connecting estate agents and making accommodation accessible to all.”
Oloniyo said the government was concerned about what he described as unreasonable rental charges, especially in areas where the presence of higher institutions had increased demand for accommodation.
He urged landlords and property agents to work with the government to make housing more affordable, while also ensuring that tenants receive reasonable value for the money they pay.
He said, “We are not unmindful of the cost of building materials and the fact that people should reap where they sow. But government will not tolerate excess, particularly in the areas of activities of agents in the state whereby they put exorbitant charges on house rent.”
According to the special adviser, the government’s intervention was not aimed at depriving property owners of their rights but at creating a fairer housing environment for residents.
“We need to carry people along, we need to let them know that the government’s move is not targeted at home ownership. We are not going to erode anybody’s rights here, the most important thing is to ensure tenants have value for money,” he added.
The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, represented by the Odofiyin, Chief Ayodeji Esan, pledged the community’s support for the initiative.
The monarch called for clear operational guidelines, saying the community would engage landlords and estate agents to ensure cooperation with the government.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Real Estate Agents in Ekiti State, Oluwasanmi Adeeko, said the association was opposed to arbitrary increases in rent.
Adeeko assured the government of the association’s cooperation, urging its members to support measures designed to improve living conditions for residents.
Stakeholders at the meeting proposed the creation of a task force, development of a rent regulation framework and accreditation of estate agents.
They also urged the government to construct more hostels around tertiary institutions to ease pressure on private accommodation.
The government’s intervention comes amid complaints of rising rents in towns including Ado Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti, Iyin Ekiti, Ilawe Ekiti, Oye Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti, where students and workers have become major targets of increased accommodation charges.
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